Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

The two quickened their pace, and soon they arrived at a small house near Chihu Rock.

Though the house was humble and worn, it exuded a warm, homey feeling. Yi Zhu pushed open the wooden door, and they stepped inside.

Yi Zhu glanced around the room and immediately spotted his sister, Yi Xian, curled up in the corner. She hugged her knees tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Yi Zhu's heart clenched. He quickly walked over, knelt beside her, and asked softly, "What's wrong, little sis?"

Before he could finish, Yi Xian threw herself into his arms, clutching him tightly. Her voice trembled with sobs. "Wuu… brother! I-I broke mom's instrument while I was cleaning. I didn't mean to—I don't know what to do. Will mom be mad…?"

Yi Zhu gently patted her back, calming her with quiet reassurance. "It's okay. You're not hurt, that's what matters. Mom wouldn't blame you—she only wanted you to be strong and take care of yourself. And besides… that instrument is called a plucked zither, not a qin."

Hearing this, Yi Xian finally looked up, her tear-filled eyes searching her brother's face.

She seemed to find solace in his words, her fear and anxiety slowly ebbing away. She hugged Yi Zhu tighter, as if pouring out all her sorrow and fright.

Shao Yun, watching the scene, felt an unexpected tug at his heart.

He surveyed the modest home they lived in—bare and sparsely furnished. Everywhere he looked, there was emptiness and wear.

This doesn't feel like a home at all…

His eyes took in the peeling walls, broken floor tiles, and the few worn-down pieces of furniture. Every detail whispered of hardship and struggle.

While Shao Yun was lost in thought, Yi Zhu gently consoled his crying sister. His words were simple, but filled with warmth and affection.

Then, Yi Zhu turned to Shao Yun with an apologetic look. "Sorry you had to see that, big brother."

Shao Yun gave a light shake of his head, showing he didn't mind.

He approached Yi Xian, knelt down, and spoke gently, "Don't be upset, little one. If something breaks, it's not the end. We can find someone to fix it. Or… maybe you could even try fixing it yourself—might learn something surprising."

Yi Xian sniffled and tried to stop her tears. She nodded, though her face still held traces of worry and helplessness.

Seeing this, Yi Zhu took her by the hand and coaxed her upstairs to play with her toys.

Once the siblings were out of sight, Yi Zhu invited Shao Yun to sit down.

"Big brother, please rest for a bit. I'll go boil some water."

Shao Yun smiled and waved him off.

"No need for that. I'll just sit for a moment and be on my way."

Yi Zhu seemed a bit flustered, scratching his head. He finally nodded. "Okay then, big brother."

…

After a bit more chatting, Shao Yun's gaze fell upon the ancient-looking instrument on the cabinet. He asked curiously, "I don't mean to pry, but… that instrument you called a plucked zither—could I take a closer look?"

Yi Zhu scratched the back of his head, looking puzzled. "Big brother, can you fix it?"

Shao Yun shook his head. "Not quite my skill. But I can find a similar instrument to cheer your sister up. Don't worry about the cost—call it a good deed."

But Yi Zhu shook his head firmly, his tone resolute.

"No need, big brother. That plucked zither means a lot to me and my sister. It's not something that can be replaced."

He glanced toward the stairs, making sure Yi Xian wasn't listening, then whispered to Shao Yun, "Big brother… you know my mom passed away, right?"

Shao Yun nodded gently, his eyes soft with sympathy. "Hu Tao already told me. If you need comfort, I'll do what I can. I'm not much of a therapist, but I can say a few kind words if it helps."

But Yi Zhu shook his head, clearly troubled.

He bit his lip, hesitating. Finally, he spoke up.

"That's not it. The plucked zither is a keepsake from our mom—we treasure it. But I overheard her once, talking to some uncles. She said she left many important things at her workplace… things she never got the chance to bring home. They meant a lot to her, and I… I wanted to ask you, big brother, could you help me get them?"

His eyes locked onto Shao Yun's, filled with pleading and hope.

A system prompt popped up.

[You may choose to help Yi Zhu. Accept: Honor Value Increases. Decline: No change.]

Shao Yun glanced at the prompt, weighing his options.

He didn't have anything else to do anyway, and the boy's sincerity stirred something in him.

He smiled slightly and nodded.

"Good timing—I've got nothing better to do. I'll help you."

His words were like sunlight breaking through clouds—Yi Zhu's face lit up with joy, and his eyes sparkled with gratitude.

"Thank you so much, big brother! I've asked a lot of people before, but no one helped…"

Shao Yun raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Yi Zhu drew a breath, organizing his thoughts. "My mom used to work at a place called Pearl Galley. I think she left her things there."

"I asked neighbors to help retrieve them, but they all made excuses. Then I asked a Millelith uncle—he said yes, but never came back with anything."

Shao Yun repeated the name under his breath.

"Pearl Galley… that sounds familiar…"

His eyes sharpened as realization struck. He turned to Yi Zhu.

"You're not talking about… that ship on the water, are you?"

Yi Zhu scratched his head awkwardly.

"I don't know… Mom never told me exactly where she worked. I overheard the name by accident."

Shao Yun nodded. He already had his answer. Rising to his feet, he said firmly, "Enough said. I'll help you."

The conviction in his voice gave Yi Zhu strength.

"Thank you, big brother!" The smile he gave was full of innocence and genuine gratitude.

A system prompt appeared.

[Your Honor Value in Liyue has increased. Acts of kindness will be rewarded by the world.]

Shao Yun chuckled and waved his hand. "You should really thank a blonde older sister. If she hadn't forbidden me from leaving Liyue Harbor, I wouldn't be bored enough to take this on."

There was humor in his tone, but also resignation. If I could leave town, I wouldn't be dealing with this.

As he stepped toward the door, a thought struck him. He paused and turned back.

"By the way, what was your mother's name?"

Without hesitation, Yi Zhu answered, "My mom's name was Nianhua."

Yi Xian, Yi Zhu, and… Nianhua. She had a poetic soul.

Shao Yun nodded solemnly, committing the name to memory. "Wait for my good news."

…

The golden noon sunlight fell like silk along the path from Chihu Rock. Shao Yun left the siblings' home and made his way toward Liyue Harbor's docks.

Furrowing his brows, he muttered, "Pearl Galley… what the hell was that place again? Feels like I'm forgetting something."

Lost in thought, he passed by Scent of Spring —and that's when he spotted Ying'er.

Her eyes lit up as she waved eagerly. "Hey! Mr. Shao Yun, fancy meeting you here. I was just about to deliver this balm!"

Her bright voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He blinked and looked down at the ornate gift box she handed him.

Oh, right. The gift Tartaglia paid for—for Ying'er.

He quickly smiled and took it with gratitude. "Thanks. Honestly, I almost forgot about this."

He slipped the balm into his Legend of the East satchel, ready to move on.

But Ying'er's voice cut through the air again, breaking the silence.

"I remember you spending all your time with Iron-Tongue Tian lately. What are you up to now?"

Shao Yun paused, then pointed toward the distance with a helpless shrug.

"Heading to Pearl Galley. Got something to do."

At the mention, Ying'er smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Oh? Pearl Galley, huh? What happened to only having eyes for one person? Don't tell me you've gone wild for wildflowers now."

She hadn't even finished her sentence before Shao Yun's face darkened, and the cold muzzle of a Schofield revolver was suddenly pressed to her forehead.

His voice was frigid and resolute.

"Say that again."

Ying'er's face drained of color. The sudden shift in Shao Yun's demeanor—from relaxed to deadly—shook her to the core.

"W-Wait! No, please!" Her voice trembled as she clasped her hands together. "I'm sorry! I went too far with the joke!"

Shao Yun's expression didn't soften. If anything, it grew sterner.

"You want me to cool down? Fine. Then answer my question."

Ying'er nodded rapidly, almost panicked. She pointed cautiously to the revolver. "C-Can you at least put the weapon away?"

Shao Yun said nothing, pressing the barrel even tighter. His words rang like hammers.

"Want me calm? Then answer. Do you know what Pearl Galley is?"

Ying'er inhaled sharply, gathering her nerves. Then she spoke slowly.

"It's a gambling house, brothel, and theater all in one. To be exact… Pearl Galley is a pleasure barge."

Though her voice trembled, her answer was clear.

Shao Yun pressed further. "Do you know a woman named Nianhua?"

Ying'er's face went pale again. Her voice barely held steady. "I only know… she used to be a regular courtesan on the barge. But I heard she redeemed herself about six months ago—left because of her kids."

Shao Yun's eyes grew even sharper, like he was closing in.

"How do I get on board?"

Ying'er looked like she might cry. She stammered, "I-I don't know. I've never been there. That's all I know—I swear!"