[For the next day or so, Zhongli finds his thoughts drifting back to the night spent with Ajax. The warmth of their conversations, the playful banter, and the unexpected but delightful touches, all linger in his mind like a comforting presence. The memories of the jade earrings, how Ajax's eyes lit up with excitement, and how his own heart had fluttered at the younger man's touch, are all vivid, and Zhongli finds himself cherishing them.
Yet, a curiosity blooms at the back of his mind. The sight of Ajax in the recordings from the previous event nags at him. Was he lost? Was it a mere coincidence? Could the toy-making industry be so prominent that it warranted Ajax's presence there in such an event? Or was the company he worked for involved in other types of businesses? The questions swirl in his mind, but he pushes them aside, focusing on the fond memories instead.
However, the peaceful moments of reminiscing are disrupted by the buzz of rumors spreading through Liyue Harbor. Whispers of two major elements from opposing sides seen cavorting together in the most scandalous of ways ripple through the streets, the rumor mill churning relentlessly. No one can tell him about the source, but the rumors seem to have started in the night market, for no good reason. His presence is requested at an upcoming meeting between the Adepti and the Fatui, despite his retirement, to oversee firsthand what the discussion would be about and to reassure that there would be no betrayals from the Adepti themselves.
Zhongli is not particularly concerned. Rumors are just that—rumors. They aim to stir people's hearts when things get threatened. And the Fatui have been an insistent force, trying to rattle the Syndicate. They may as well have started to spread a rumor to instill suspicion from within. He prepares himself, assuming the role of a consultant to the Adepti, a figure with immense knowledge of history both documented and not. His disguise is simple yet effective, allowing him to blend in while standing behind a lattice panel near the bar and kitchen, meticulously preparing tea. From this vantage point, he can overhear the conversation without raising any suspicion.
The heads of the Syndicate have delegated the task of negotiating with the Fatui to the younger members of the leadership, a power move in itself. Madame Ping, Xianyun, and albeit not a part of the adepti, but still a relevant member and stakeholder, the Tinquan Ningguang, are notably absent, their absence a statement of the perceived insignificance of the Fatui representatives. Instead, it is the newer leaders who sit at the table, Yanfei, Ganyu, and Keqing, facing off against Regrator and Signora with composed expressions and sharp minds.
Zhongli's attention is focused on the tea preparations rather than the Fatui forces mingling with Syndicate members and interested parties alike across the whole room, his movements precise and deliberate. Yet, his ears are attuned to the conversation unfolding at the table in the corner.]
no subject
Yet, a curiosity blooms at the back of his mind. The sight of Ajax in the recordings from the previous event nags at him. Was he lost? Was it a mere coincidence? Could the toy-making industry be so prominent that it warranted Ajax's presence there in such an event? Or was the company he worked for involved in other types of businesses? The questions swirl in his mind, but he pushes them aside, focusing on the fond memories instead.
However, the peaceful moments of reminiscing are disrupted by the buzz of rumors spreading through Liyue Harbor. Whispers of two major elements from opposing sides seen cavorting together in the most scandalous of ways ripple through the streets, the rumor mill churning relentlessly. No one can tell him about the source, but the rumors seem to have started in the night market, for no good reason. His presence is requested at an upcoming meeting between the Adepti and the Fatui, despite his retirement, to oversee firsthand what the discussion would be about and to reassure that there would be no betrayals from the Adepti themselves.
Zhongli is not particularly concerned. Rumors are just that—rumors. They aim to stir people's hearts when things get threatened. And the Fatui have been an insistent force, trying to rattle the Syndicate. They may as well have started to spread a rumor to instill suspicion from within. He prepares himself, assuming the role of a consultant to the Adepti, a figure with immense knowledge of history both documented and not. His disguise is simple yet effective, allowing him to blend in while standing behind a lattice panel near the bar and kitchen, meticulously preparing tea. From this vantage point, he can overhear the conversation without raising any suspicion.
The heads of the Syndicate have delegated the task of negotiating with the Fatui to the younger members of the leadership, a power move in itself. Madame Ping, Xianyun, and albeit not a part of the adepti, but still a relevant member and stakeholder, the Tinquan Ningguang, are notably absent, their absence a statement of the perceived insignificance of the Fatui representatives. Instead, it is the newer leaders who sit at the table, Yanfei, Ganyu, and Keqing, facing off against Regrator and Signora with composed expressions and sharp minds.
Zhongli's attention is focused on the tea preparations rather than the Fatui forces mingling with Syndicate members and interested parties alike across the whole room, his movements precise and deliberate. Yet, his ears are attuned to the conversation unfolding at the table in the corner.]