Genshin Impact: My villain system is a little different.

"Xianyun, how have you been lately?"

As everyone knows, the adepti are incredibly efficient. What was discussed during the day was brought up to Xianyun by Madame Ping that very evening.

"Oh? What a rare guest! A-Ping, you actually came to visit me? What's the matter?"

"Can't I just come to see you without a reason?"

"Well, it's not that, but you're not the type to visit without a purpose… So, what's going on?"

Xianyun looked at Madame Ping as if she had seen through her.

But Madame Ping remained calm and composed. She said to Xianyun:

"Lately, you've been getting quite close to that little guy, Jiang Ning…"

Madame Ping decided to cut straight to the point.

Otherwise, given Xianyun's personality, she would probably try to dodge the topic.

"Y-you… What do you mean by that?"

Xianyun's face instantly turned red. Facing her old friend and recalling what had happened that morning, Xianyun was momentarily flustered.

Seeing Xianyun like this, Madame Ping's suspicions were more or less confirmed.

It seemed her old friend had already done everything, both what should and shouldn't have been done.

Sigh, it looks like my friend is destined to be a rebellious master.

Madame Ping sighed and said, "Since things have already reached this point, why keep Jiang Ning in the dark? It's not something that can't be talked about."

Xianyun replied, "How can I just talk about something like this? I have my dignity to maintain."

Holding her disciple and sleeping together for a night, then kicking him out of bed the next morning without explanation…

It felt like her image was about to collapse.

Madame Ping said, "You've already chosen to do it, so why hide it?"

Xianyun replied, "It's just… not suitable for others to know…"

Madame Ping shook her head, "You can hide it for a while, but you can't keep it hidden forever. Look, Ganyu already knew this morning."

"Ganyu?"

Xianyun was stunned.

"How did she know?"

Madame Ping said, "Don't worry about that. So, you should give Jiang Ning an explanation…"

"Huh… What?"

Xianyun was confused. Wait, what? Who's giving whom an explanation?

Wasn't Jiang Ning the one who took advantage?

I'm the one who got the short end of the stick, okay?

Madame Ping continued to ramble on.

"So, you should care a bit more about your disciple…"

Me, care about him? Wait, no… Isn't this caring a bit too much? No, no, that was just a coincidence.

"And that child has been diligently helping you keep it a secret. But as elders… or rather, as those with more experience, we should take the initiative. So, it's better if you take the lead in this matter."

What do you mean, 'things have already reached this point'? What do you mean, 'take the lead'? Lead in what?

"Since things are like this, both Rex Lapis and I think you should just come clean to Ganyu and Shenhe. Don't always push Jiang Ning to the front… As a master, you should set an example."

What? Even Rex Lapis is involved?!

"And there's nothing shameful about it. A master and disciple becoming a couple is a beautiful story… We'll help beautify the narrative."

Madame Ping kept talking.

By the end, Xianyun was completely dumbfounded.

Somehow, she felt like she was being forced by Rex Lapis to confess to Jiang Ning?

And now it seemed like she owed Jiang Ning an apology?

Just because I kicked him out of bed this morning? Is it really that serious?

Xianyun hesitated. She had already been inexplicably bamboozled into forgetting who was holding whom.

She asked, "Is it really that big of a deal?"

Madame Ping said seriously, "Of course it is! Do you know how damaging this kind of thing can be to a young man? If not handled properly, it could leave psychological scars."

Yeah, right. This kid already has so many fiancées. There's no way something like this would leave him traumatized.

But Xianyun was still scared, "Really…?"

"Of course it's true. We've known each other for so many years. Even though we've had our disagreements, have I ever lied to you?"

Actually, I have, but you just didn't notice.

Madame Ping thought to herself.

Xianyun pondered for a moment and finally said, "Then, I…"

Madame Ping said, "Go and come clean to Ganyu and Shenhe. They probably already know. If you drag it out too long, both Jiang Ning and those two will start overthinking…"

"Xianyun, no, I should say, Liuyun, you don't want your disciples to be unhappy in the future, do you?"

Madame Ping ended with a touch of Inazuman flair.

Xianyun, thoroughly bamboozled, scratched her head. It's so itchy… feels like my brain is growing…

Madame Ping had chosen the perfect time to visit. After a meal, when one is most likely to feel drowsy.

Plus, Xianyun had been busy with research all day, so her mind wasn't at its sharpest.

With all these factors combined, tricking Xianyun was as easy as pie.

Seeing Xianyun's expression, Madame Ping knew she had succeeded.

Madame Ping said, "Anyway, Rex Lapis and I both think this is the best course of action. You should think about it… The sooner, the better."

Xianyun nodded hesitantly, "Oh, I see… Then I'll go tonight…"

"Yes, that's the spirit. The Cloud Retainer, who was once decisive and swift, should act just like this…" Madame Ping continued.

With that, she left.

But she didn't go far.

She found a quiet spot, hid her presence, and waited until Xianyun left before finally departing.

It was time to inform Ganyu…

---

A short while later, Ganyu received Madame Ping's message.

At this moment, Ningguang, Keqing, Shenhe, and Ganyu were all gathered together.

As for Eula… she had dragged Jiang Ning off to drink.

Otherwise, who could keep Jiang Ning occupied?

"I see the Cloud Retainer…"

Ningguang stood by the window, watching a green figure quickly approaching the Jade Chamber.

They had already cleared out all the staff from the Jade Chamber. Only those closest to them were present.

Originally, Havria and the others had wanted to join in, but Ningguang and the others had politely declined. The reason was simple: they hadn't officially joined the family yet.

As for Raiden Makoto, she seemed to be preparing something big, and Kitsune Saiguu was helping her.

When Xianyun entered through the window, the atmosphere felt unusually tense.

Facing the expressionless women, Xianyun felt nervous for the first time.

Ganyu was the first to speak:

"Although… Cloud Retainer, why did you come in through the window?"

Was it because you felt guilty?

Xianyun coughed awkwardly and pretended nothing had happened, saying:

"This master just thought it would be troublesome to have you open the door…"

"The door wasn't locked," Shenhe kindly reminded her.

Xianyun shot a reproachful look at her disciple.

This child, why can't she read the room?

"Cloud Retainer, your late-night visit must be for something important, right?" Ningguang decided to let Xianyun speak first. "Please, have a seat."

Xianyun obediently sat down but felt even more awkward.

She was seated in the center, with no table in front of her, while the four women sat across from her in a row.

What is this, some kind of interrogation? Xianyun's pupils trembled.

"Well…" Xianyun cleared her throat, trying to maintain her composure.

She wanted to approach the topic indirectly.

But Ganyu didn't give her the chance. She cut straight to the point:

"Cloud Retainer, even though Jiang Ning has been protecting you, why are you still making him keep it a secret?"

Ningguang was surprised. Weren't we supposed to let Xianyun speak first? Why is Ganyu spilling the beans?

Shenhe couldn't help but glance at Ganyu.

Keqing, however, nodded in satisfaction. Just get to the point. Why beat around the bush? Look at me—when I liked him, I just took him home and went all out.

Xianyun stammered, "You… me… him… this…"

Ganyu said calmly, "So, Cloud Retainer, you're here to come clean to us, right? What are your true feelings?"

"This master… honestly, I'm still a bit confused…" Xianyun decided to be honest.

Ganyu smiled innocently:

"Then, I have a few questions. I hope Cloud Retainer can answer them truthfully."

Xianyun straightened up, "Go ahead."

Ganyu asked, "First, do you like or dislike Jiang Ning? Or, when Jiang Ning takes care of you, do you feel annoyed?"

Xianyun thought carefully, "I don't feel annoyed…"

In fact, sometimes she felt a little happy amidst the helplessness.

Ganyu continued, "Then, what if it were Moon Carver or Mountain Shaper taking care of you?"

Xianyun immediately frowned, displeased, "How dare they? I'd smash their deer and bird heads."

Ganyu smiled with satisfaction, "Then, what about Jiang Ning's closeness? That shouldn't be a problem, right? After all, this morning…"

From Ganyu's perspective, her master and Jiang Ning should already know each other intimately.

Xianyun said, "Well… it's not appropriate to talk about this in front of everyone…"

Ganyu was puzzled, "Everyone here is family. What's inappropriate?"

Xianyun could only whisper, "I… I don't dislike it…"

"Don't dislike it?"

Xianyun seemed to give up, "Fine, I like it. Happy now?"

Ganyu refused to get close to her, being too shy, and Shenhe was too aloof.

Only Jiang Ning was willing to get close. At first, she thought it was the joy of taking care of a child, but now it seemed like it was actually the feeling of being in love?!

Madame Ping and Ganyu's skills were truly impressive. A series of leading questions had completely derailed Xianyun.

Ganyu maintained her innocent smile, "So, Cloud Retainer, from this perspective, perhaps you've truly fallen in love… But with Jiang Ning, it's not hard to understand."

Shenhe couldn't help but add, "Little brother is the best…"

"I've fallen in love? With Jiang Ning?" Xianyun was deeply lost in self-doubt.

What evil intentions could a little coconut sheep like Ganyu have? She just wants her master to be happy.

Ganyu said, "Jiang Ning should be home soon. Should we go find him?"

Xianyun was startled, "Isn't that too fast?"

Ganyu shook her head, "As the saying goes, 'Strike while the iron is hot.' Cloud Retainer, you understand this, right?"

Xianyun could only say, "Then… alright. But I'll go alone. You all stay here."

Ganyu knew her master was a bit shy, so she agreed readily, "Of course, no problem."

After all, she was her master. She had to save some face for her. As for later… once they were all sisters, there'd be no need for face-saving.

One of the reasons both Xianyun and Ganyu could accept this so quickly was that the relationships among the adepti were already quite tangled.

The adepti were both comrades and disciples of Rex Lapis.

Then, Guizhong and Madame Ping were friends, and Ganyu and Madame Ping were also friends. Xianyun? She was like a sister to both Guizhong and Madame Ping.

And Ganyu was Xianyun's disciple…

But in any case, after tonight, they wouldn't be master and disciple anymore. They'd truly be sisters sharing the same blanket.

Ganyu watched Xianyun, who looked like she was heading into battle, and smiled with satisfaction.

---

Meanwhile, at the doorstep.

Jiang Ning was supporting a completely drunk Eula with one hand while opening the door with the other.

He had no idea what Eula was thinking, challenging him to a drinking contest. And now? She was completely wasted.

Trying to outdrink me? What was she thinking?

But a drunk Eula was incredibly cute, making it hard not to tease her.

Eula pouted slightly, her brows furrowed.

"Really, drinking so much…"

Jiang Ning gently laid Eula on the bed and helped her out of her clothes, sighing.

Eula's sleeping face was adorably innocent, curled up like a little kitten, her body exuding a faint scent of alcohol.

Looking at the sleeping Eula, Jiang Ning said, "Well, I'll help you bathe tomorrow morning…"

Jiang Ning noticed that no one else was home. His master and the others were all out.

Though he found it strange, he didn't dwell on it. He thought, Maybe I should just sleep early tonight. Should I sleep here with Eula?

Just then, he noticed someone waving at him from the window.

Curious, Jiang Ning walked over.

----

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