"Feng Yi, what kind of fireworks do you like?"
Yoimiya and Feng Yi sat side-by-side under a large tree on a hillside, enjoying a rare moment of leisure and conversation.
"Hmm... I like interesting fireworks!"
Feng Yi pondered, having seen plenty of 'boom-pow' fireworks, she wanted to see 'boom-fizz-bang' ones.
"Interesting fireworks? It's simple to say, but difficult to achieve. But don't worry, leave it to me. Nothing about fireworks has ever stumped me!"
Yoimiya patted her chest, confidently agreeing.
However, she decided to think about this question later tonight when they got back. For now, she just wanted to quietly enjoy the scenery with Feng Yi, spending a leisurely morning.
"It's so windy here~"
"My voice is being blown away~"
Yoimiya cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone and shouted at the sky, like a pure-hearted child, having a blast.
After shouting, it felt as if her worries had also been blown away by the wind. A joyful smile bloomed on Yoimiya's face.
But happy times always pass quickly. The morning leisure slipped away like a fleeting moment. After bidding farewell to Feng Yi, Yoimiya returned to the fireworks shop to continue preparing for the 'Naganohara Fireworks Festival' two days later.
It's worth mentioning that Feng Yi gave her a special gift when they parted.
It was a dazzling, shining golden piece of paper!
Feng Yi had written her name on it, in a way that couldn't be erased, like some sort of token. Yoimiya loved it dearly.
Yoimiya wrapped it in a silk scarf, placed it in a pouch, and kept it close to her person.
Feng Yi told her it was a life-saving treasure and that she shouldn't hesitate to use it, as her life was most important. She should eat it if she encountered danger.
Yoimiya, however, didn't see it that way. This was a token from Feng Yi, and it had to be treasured!
Not long after Yoimiya returned, a little girl in a red dress came to visit, reportedly recommended by Yuan Bao.
'It's Klee! That fireworks crafting master from Mondstadt, here to exchange experiences!'
Yoimiya excitedly led Klee to the backyard, her fireworks crafting area, and they began a lively discussion.
Feng Yi returned to the milk tea shop. For lunch, she ate grilled fish brought back by Yuan Bao – forty-seven of them.
Although it was Yuan Bao's thoughtful gesture and the fish was grilled well, eating so much at once was a bit much even for the big-eating Feng Yi.
In the end, the grilled fish were only completely finished after being shared with Dori, Arataki Itto, and the members of the Arataki Gang.
"Boss, this grilled fish tastes a bit weird. Hmm... I can't quite put my finger on it, it's like the gunpowder smell of fireworks... but it's quite tasty!"
Genta quietly approached Arataki Itto and whispered in his boss's ear.
"If you think it's tasty, then you can have mine too. You guys have been in the Arataki Gang for so long, and it's rare to have a full meal. Eat up this time!"
"Waaah, I'm so touched! But Boss, what about you? There's still so much grilled fish, you should eat some too!"
"It's fine, Boss isn't hungry right now. You guys eat."
Looking at the slightly charred grilled fish, Arataki Itto's mouth twitched. He had no appetite at all now.
These grilled fish were here partly due to his efforts.
Arataki Itto had let his subordinates take over his duties and, taking Yuan Bao and Klee with him, found an island where fish gathered, and then...
On the spot, Arataki Itto had already eaten his fill and was truly stuffed.
This act of 'Itto giving away fish' earned him the admiration of his subordinates. Arataki Itto felt it was worth it.
After lunch, Feng Yi, patting her full belly, decided to go exercise with the little fox to help digest her food.
'Why has Yae Miko been so quiet these past few days? Is she plotting another prank?'
Walking on the small path leading to Grand Narukami Shrine, Feng Yi mused to herself.
At the Ms. Hina fan meeting a few days ago, Yae Miko had played a trick on Gorou, the canine general, satisfying her mischievous urges. She had even had a better appetite, able to eat two bowls of fried tofu and a cup of milk tea.
According to her usual routine, Yae Miko would send Sayu or a shrine maiden from Grand Narukami Shrine to Paimon's Milk Tea Shop every morning to buy a customized milk tea.
But now it was already afternoon, and Yae Miko still hadn't sent anyone to buy a customized milk tea. This was indeed unusual.
Had Yae Miko grown tired of milk tea and decided to take a break to try something new?
Or was Yae Miko perhaps planning a new prank, or had she encountered some trouble?
Of course, these were all Feng Yi's guesses. The truth could only be known by finding the person involved.
Thinking of this, Feng Yi couldn't help but quicken her pace.
As he passed by a village, the argument of a few villagers caught his attention. Feng Yi couldn't help but slow down.
"Oh, what's so hard to decide? When it comes to wishes, of course, it's to get a large sum of Mora!"
"But the exam is next week... If I fail again this time, I'm really done for. I'd rather wish to pass smoothly..."
"What's an exam? Believe me, there's nothing a large sum of Mora can't solve. If there is, then two large sums!"
"..."
Two young men, who didn't seem very old, appeared to be discussing making wishes. From their tone, it sounded as if wishes were guaranteed to come true.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, may I interrupt? What are you discussing?"
Feng Yi stopped and stepped forward to strike up a conversation. Although he already had a general idea, it was best to confirm.
"Huh? No way, you don't even know about this?"
"【As long as you stand barefoot on the ground at midnight and recite a special incantation while looking down, you can have your heart's desire!】
This is the most effective way to make a wish recently. It guarantees your wish comes true!"
The young villager—Kouka—said seriously, clearly believing it wholeheartedly.
"There's such a good thing? Gentlemen, although I know you won't listen, I still have to advise you not to be superstitious about wishes. There's no free lunch in the world. When you get something, you always have to pay a corresponding price. It's just that you haven't noticed this price in time, so it feels like you're getting it for free..."
Hearing this, Feng Yi was certain what was going on.
Without a doubt, it was likely lingering spirits and ghosts from the Ley Lines that had come out to breathe and were using the wishers' bodies to walk the world again.
Although it wasn't a major issue, Feng Yi was curious to meet the leader of these spirits—Yurakusai.
From fragmented memories six hundred years ago, he recalled that he seemed to have gotten along well with Yurakusai back then. However, Yurakusai later committed a great sin, provoking the wrath of Lady Guuji, and left in disgrace. It was truly a shame...