[Zhongli feels a sense of relief wash over him as Ajax's smile relaxes into one of reassurance. The continuation of their meeting in the Liuli Pavilion brings a glimmer of anticipation to Zhongli's eyes.]
The Liuli Pavilion it is, then. [A chuckle, a warmth spreading through his chest at the thought of their upcoming dinner.] I do keep to my contracts, Ajax. Please rest assured that you've never bothered me, and neither do I see that happening in the future.
[The mention of exchanging contact details prompts Zhongli to search his memory, suddenly quizzical. It's then that he recalls Ajax's subtle gesture from earlier, leaving his number tucked within the folds of the newspaper Zhongli had been reading.] Ah, you're quite right, [Zhongli says, a smile playing on his lips.] I do have your number, don't I? I'll be sure to send you a message once I arrive home safely.
[The apparent rideshare does arrive shortly after, and Zhongli asks once again if Ajax will be alright on his own before he climbs inside the vehicle. He thanks him, once again, and once settled on the seat, Zhongli can't help but reflect on the events of the evening. The glaze lilies, now adorning the center of the event, serve as silent witnesses to the intricate dance of power and influence that defines Liyue.
Once home, pulling at the sleeves of his coat and taking it off, he stops and fishes his phone from his pocket.]
As promised, I have arrived safely. Thank you so much for being so considerate. I hope to return the favor one day. I look forward to tomorrow. - Zhongli
[(Later, Zhongli reviews the camera footage. He notes Ajax's presence in the event, wondering if the young man was lost or searching for someone. The toy business is a serious affair, after all, and the event drew numerous business figures. Was Ajax truly lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the city, or was there something more to his presence at the event? Well, something to think about later.)]
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The Liuli Pavilion it is, then. [A chuckle, a warmth spreading through his chest at the thought of their upcoming dinner.] I do keep to my contracts, Ajax. Please rest assured that you've never bothered me, and neither do I see that happening in the future.
[The mention of exchanging contact details prompts Zhongli to search his memory, suddenly quizzical. It's then that he recalls Ajax's subtle gesture from earlier, leaving his number tucked within the folds of the newspaper Zhongli had been reading.] Ah, you're quite right, [Zhongli says, a smile playing on his lips.] I do have your number, don't I? I'll be sure to send you a message once I arrive home safely.
[The apparent rideshare does arrive shortly after, and Zhongli asks once again if Ajax will be alright on his own before he climbs inside the vehicle. He thanks him, once again, and once settled on the seat, Zhongli can't help but reflect on the events of the evening. The glaze lilies, now adorning the center of the event, serve as silent witnesses to the intricate dance of power and influence that defines Liyue.
Once home, pulling at the sleeves of his coat and taking it off, he stops and fishes his phone from his pocket.]
As promised, I have arrived safely.
Thank you so much for being so considerate.
I hope to return the favor one day.
I look forward to tomorrow.
- Zhongli
[(Later, Zhongli reviews the camera footage. He notes Ajax's presence in the event, wondering if the young man was lost or searching for someone. The toy business is a serious affair, after all, and the event drew numerous business figures. Was Ajax truly lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the city, or was there something more to his presence at the event? Well, something to think about later.)]