Genshin Writing Blog

The shores of Guyun Stone Forest were calm.

The wind seemed to hum in tune with the gentle crash of the waves as two adepti companions walked across the coast, footprints etched into the sand.

This was a route all too familiar to Xiao – for it was one he walked dutifully day by day, night by night.

…Only this time, he had someone beside him.

How times have changed.

Centuries after losing his fellow yakshas, the only constants that remained at his side were the voices of the slain Gods and his trusty polearm. To think that he now had a romantic partner…

He mentally shook his head free from the thoughts, reminding himself that he was currently on patrol – not on some merry stroll along the beach.

But before he could fully transition back to his usual serious demeanor, he heard a question come from beside him, stopping him in his tracks.

"You wish to know the day of my birth?” Xiao glanced at Mingyu, brows furrowed in confusion. “For what purpose?"

"No purpose in particular." Mingyu stopped a few steps ahead of him, glancing over her shoulder with a smile. "But what kind of lover would I be if I didn’t know these little details about you, hm?”

At the mention of the words ‘lover,’ Mingyu could make out the faint traces of pink rising across the yaksha’s cheeks.

A brief moment of silence passed before Xiao let out a sigh, “The mortal realm really has influenced you in the most… peculiar of ways.”

Mingyu giggled before turning to face him, leaning forward with a cheekiness that set his heart aflame. “So… are you gonna tell me or not?”

“April 17th.” He answered, then paused, seemingly processing his own thoughts before continuing, “And yours?”

“Oh, interested in me now, hm?” Amused, Mingyu stepped closer, watching as he turned his gaze away from her. 

“As you’ve stated, lovers should be privy to these details, now matter how trifling.” He closed his eyes, taking in a breath before returning to face her. “I am inexperienced with matters concerning the heart, but… I am willing to learn more.”

Amber eyes fluttered open to meet soft green ones, and the sincerity held within his irises had Mingyu practically melting underneath him.

She smiled up at him, moving her fingers to lace together with his. “I’m no expert either but... we can continue to learn together.”

Moving to the tips of her toes, Mingyu placed a featherlight kiss onto Xiao’s cheek, feeling the heat quickly rise to his face from her actions. 

“By the way…” She whispered, placing a gentle hand against his cheek, “It’s June 20th.” 

Without another word, she pressed her lips against his in a firm, passionate kiss. 

—-

It was a fond memory Xiao held deeply within his heart; one he thought back on often whenever he returned to the shores of Guyun.

The once visceral memories of slaughter that plagued his mind were slowly becoming overridden by new memories – memories of warmth. It was as though the moon and the stars had finally pierced through the clouds of a lightless night - showing him that the hope he yearned for was not just an illusion. 

He watched as cranes took to the skies, flying towards the direction of the plains he so diligently guarded. Perhaps it was mere coincidence, but the very act reminded him of the commitment he was coerced into making with a certain green-eyed adeptus, just a day before. 

“Tomorrow at nightfall, you’ll be spending time with me in Wangshu Inn’s kitchen. No ifs, ands, or buts about it!” 

Even now, he could hear her voice clear as day – her “request” coming in the form of a command. Before he realized it, a quiet chuckle escaped his lips.

Truly, only she would have the audacity to speak to him in such a manner. 

As the silhouettes of the cranes grew further and further away, he lowered his gaze, eyes now transfixed on the rolling waves in front of him.

Nightfall, she said. 

Best he got going.

—-

Mingyu pulled back, placing her hands on her hips as she admired her handiwork displayed on the kitchen table.

“It looks lovely.” Verr spoke from behind her, smiling at the thoughtfulness behind Mingyu’s actions.

Hearing this, Mingyu turned to her and nodded, “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your help. Thank you for sending the chef away for tonight. And of course…” Mingyu continued with a wink, “For asking him to prepare the tofu before he left. I would have tried it myself, but unfortunately, I simply lack the finesse required.”

Verr shrugged, chuckling lightly at Mingyu’s comment. “It was hardly any trouble. I’m sure he’ll enjoy his short vacation.” Just then, she caught a flash of blue zipping through the grocery stands, feeling an amused smile rise to her face. “Besides, I think it’s better this way too.”

“If he’s as frightened as you say he is, I can see why.” Mingyu chuckled, eyes trailing after Verr as she made her way towards the staircase.

Choosing not to linger on the topic any further, Verr instead glanced over her shoulder with a smile, “Xiao should be arriving soon, right? You know where to find me if you need anything.”

As the soft clatters of Verr’s shoes faded away upstairs, Mingyu turned back to the table, finger placed against her chin in thought. Although she knew he would appreciate the gesture, she wondered if this display would be too much for him.

As if sensing her concern, Dusky Ming peeked out from behind a basket of fruit with a grin, “Don’t worry. I think he’ll be happy no matter what!” 

The corners of Mingyu’s lips curled upward, but as she opened her mouth to speak, a haze of black and green materialized at her side, prompting Dusky Ming to leap up in excitement.

“Adeptus Xiao!” 

Seemingly unfazed, Xiao turned his head towards Dusky Ming, acknowledging her with a curt nod before his gaze wandered to Mingyu, then to the display on the kitchen table.

“This is…”

“A present for you!” Dusky Ming exclaimed, giggling as she ran to the side of the table. “Do you like it?”

Laid across the table was a plate of almond tofu, along with various trinkets and objects, some of which Xiao could not identify. Not wanting to hurt the young girl’s feelings, he turned to Mingyu in a silent plea for help. 

Chuckling, Mingyu peeked over his shoulder, explaining the origins behind each item.

“This is a paper bird folded by Fei. She was a 4 year old girl who ascended last week.” 

Xiao picked up the delicate, crudely folded paper bird and tilted it over, seeing the words “happy birthday” messily scrawled onto it. His eyes widened at the sudden revelation as he scanned the table, taking note of the trinkets laid on its surface. 

“They’re all gifts from the ones who have been under my care.” Mingyu explained, continuing to walk through each object.

As Mingyu continued to speak, Xiao felt his heart clench and swell with so much unfamiliar emotion, it threatened to overflow. It was strange, really. 

How could these poorly constructed, childish crafts stir up such strong feelings within him? 

“And this is a crown of silk flowers made by none other than our little Ming here.” Mingyu smiled, gently lifting the flower crown from the table. “Won’t you try it on for her?”

Folding his arms across his chest, he huffed and shook his head. “No need. I can admire it as it is.”

“Aww, please?” Dusky Ming pleaded, swaying side to side with her hands locked sheepishly behind her back. “I worked so hard on it…”

“...” 

With an eventual sigh, Xiao lowered his head towards Mingyu, allowing her to lay the freshly weaved bundle of silk flowers on top of his head. As he moved to straighten his spine, the sound of Dusky Ming’s cheerful laughter and clapping filled the kitchen, echoing through the empty halls.

“And this is from Smiley Yanxiao.” Mingyu smiled, carefully presenting him with a plate of his favorite almond tofu. “Happy Birthday, Xiao.” 

And although he did not outwardly smile, Mingyu could see from the softness in his golden eyes that he was filled with gratitude. And as she watched him take a spoonful of tofu into his mouth, only one thought was present in her mind: