@demonconquer: this is definitely not an absolutely inebriated yaksha coming back to the inn in the middle of the night. and he's definitely not running into Zhongli at the same time either, exposing exactly how much he's managed to consume ( with the help of only one lone being ). nope. that could never happen.
Rare were the times that Zhongli made his way to Wangshu Inn without being able to speak with Xiao, but he had little reason to worry over such an occurrence at first. Surely his loyal Yaksha was busy attending to his duties, and he was more than capable of protecting himself, so there wasn't any reason to show concern. Xiao was strong and capable, he always has been, and if it ever came to a moment his dear Xiao found himself in trouble he could not escape there was nearly always a way of the elder Adeptus knowing.
So it was a non-issue with Zhongli instead taking the time to order some tea and enjoy the view from the topmost balcony of the inn. A relaxing, peaceful evening spent in simple silence... that is until said Yaksha arrived and not at all in a state Zhongli would have expected.
"Xiao!" Such exclamations were uncharacteristic, as was the worried furrow to his brow as he could see his ward nearly unable to keep upright prompting him to stand and reach out to steady him. There was only one being on Teyvat reckless enough to allow this to happen, but Zhongli's anger- while growing rapidly- was kept at bay only for the moment in favor of leading Xiao to a seat to settle into.
"Sit, rest, and let me know if you begin to feel ill." That wretched bard. That insufferable wisp. That soon-to-be-the-center-of-a-crater Barbatos. He has instigated many foolish things within the borders of Liyue but this was entirely unacceptable. "Where is he?"
