THE QUESTION BRINGS HIM TO MULL the handful of faces he’s encountered whilst dwelling within the city, and in doing so, he realizes that there had in fact been very few whom were familiar. Most hailed from the neighboring region, Mondstadt, though regardless they were proof of one reality: that anyone could be pulled in from their world of Teyvat, and that this realm had no bias when ripping those from their homes. And so Baizhu’s gaze briefly considers the basket in his arm in thought; Changsheng, noting Zhongli’s greeting, offers the man a little nod.
“ There had been, and I’m certain there still are now. Although I’ve scarcely seen them, no doubt because of my own busyness. Still, should you walk around long enough, I’m sure you’ll find them just as you have me. ”
The reassurance offered has him chuckling, soft as a feather, as he rights his attention again on the other. “ Thank you. I’m pleased to hear good word of Gui from reputable persons such as yourself, and the Traveler. He has aided me greatly, and I’m ever thankful for this. ”
Oh, Director Hu… Baizhu has seen neither hide nor hair of her, and in many aspects he is admittedly glad for it. Yet despite this, he still has positive words to spare for her; after all, it is only polite, given she’s Zhongli’s employer. “ Director Hu takes her work very seriously… There are few as committed to their job, I find. ”
( Even if, at times, it meant her antics involving Qiqi were particularly insistent. )
“ You would be correct— I’ve been here for quite some time. ”
“ Long enough for the passing of several seasons, ” adds Changsheng, her voice entirely nonchalant.
“ Indeed… Yet if you’ve only arrived a day or so ago, I imagine you must be understandably confused. ”
“ i certainly hope not... i would much rather be surrounded by strange faces than know that the people of liyue might be in danger; more concerning would be to see the yuheng or even worse, the qixing here. i pray that they never arrive. ” ━━━ he speaks with a tone of finality, head nodding in an uncharacteristically grim tenor for the spirited parlor assistant; as if realizing it himself, his expression straightens with his posture and zhongli offers another small smile. there’s no need to worry yet when neither are anywhere to be seen, and superstitious as he is, it would not do well to utter their names too often lest they hear and be attracted to it. no, they need to stay where they are.
“ of course, i believe the traveler and i have nothing but praises for him. ” ━━━ at his regard for hu tao, zhongli’s shoulders shake in silent laughter, all but reluctant fondness for the girl; despite being treated like her grandfather, she’s endeared him enough to overlook the frequent bouts of teasing and frantic work hours. he may never say it, but he does miss her when she is gone. as if reading his mind, zhongli chuckles again. “ she is a troublesome girl but i promise she means well. however, i must apologize for the times she comes to the pharmacy to snatch qiqi, i’m unsure of what comes over her to do that... ”
“ several seasons? but it was only the other day that i saw you. i picked up medicines for... someone and gave them to the traveler yesterday. ”
“ i will no doubt regain my bearings quickly, no need to worry about me. i’ve done my own digging, though little of my search has come to fruition; talking to the other residents here has been the most effective method, though with much unknown, that also proves a bit difficult... ”