Alhaitham walked alone on the street, as he always did. He was a solitary person by nature.
Just then, Cyno approached him, hands clasped behind his back, and greeted him, "Grand Marshal, it's been a while..."
It was rather strange for two people who were both Grand Marshals to address each other this way.
"Heh, happy festival..."
"Mhm, happy festival."
Suddenly, all of Liyue plunged into darkness, only to be illuminated by a surge of light. Countless Sky Lanterns emitted a glow. One person's power might be insignificant, but the collective light of everyone could illuminate the entirety of Liyue.
Whether adults or children, outsiders or locals, everyone held a Sky Lantern. They released them, silently watching them ascend.
On the Jade Chamber platform not far away, a beautiful zither melody, accompanied by countless Sky Lanterns, created an indescribable atmosphere.
"Is this the song you composed for me? I heard it. It's truly wonderful. Thank you, A Ping."
"We are friends, after all. And this song was always meant for you. I hope you like me."
Cloud Retainer, who was standing beside them, watched everything with a smile, as if transported back to the past when they used to chat and laugh together. Yet, this reunion lacked some of the boisterous old fellows.
Shenhe stood silently by, accompanied by Ganyu and even Yaoyao.
"Reunions are good, truly good..."
On the main street, Lumine and Paimon watched the Sky Lanterns gradually drift into the distance, smiles gracing their faces. Even Paimon flitted excitedly in the air.
"Traveler, by next year, we'll only get better! I, your excellent guide, will definitely cheer you on!"
"Alright!"
With a resounding shout, the first firework shot into the sky, exploding with a deafening boom and a riot of colors.
"It's so beautiful, Traveler! Hehe, Paimon... loves Traveler the most!"
"Alright, alright, my little Paimon. I hope I can continue to trouble you in the coming year."
Leaning against a railing by the sea, Albedo rested wearily against an object. Not far away, Klee was enjoying the fireworks before the Acting Grand Master found her.
Even Qiqi tightly held Klee's hand. After all, this was a new friend, and she had to hold onto her new friend's hand.
Behind them were Tighnari and Collei, along with Amber and Eula. The four of them sat around a table, holding newly purchased drinks, silently sipping them while admiring the fireworks display.
"This feels really nice. Collei, you'll be returning soon after the festival, right? Sumeru is quite a distance from Mondstadt. If you have time, I'll definitely come to visit you. I also want to see the sights of Sumeru."
"Okay, you must come then! I'll take you to every corner of Sumeru. I'm not yet a qualified Forest Ranger, but I'll definitely work hard!"
"Amber, why did you leave me here to get sunburnt? I'll remember this grudge. I'll settle it with you one day."
Indeed, having reunited with her childhood friend, she had forgotten she was out with Eula and had neglected her.
"I'm sorry, Eula. You'll forgive me, won't you?"
Tartaglia stood on the stairs, pausing to watch the fireworks. He pondered how his siblings back home were doing.
Being in a foreign land, unable to be with them, was truly a brother's failure.
Opposite him, Kazuha was discussing legal matters with Yanfei. After all, one was a detective and the other a lawyer; their environments were similar, and their topics naturally had common ground.
Beside the Wanmin Restaurant, Yoimiya sat on the steps, smiling at Xiangling, who held a sparkler, silently watching the flickering flames.
Nearby sat Dori, counting her money. Tonight, she had made a fortune and could probably afford a good meal in a few days.
"Yoimiya, this is beautiful, but it's fleeting. Let's remain good friends..."
"We will..."
And in the place where people used to watch plays and drink tea, Yun Jin was diligently teaching enthusiasts from different countries with similar interests. After all, one performed the Flower God's Dance, and the other aspired to be an idol.
Fundamentally, the three of them had some similarities.
"It's like this, not like that. I'm also very happy to have met you both. Nilou, Barbara, I hope we can always be good friends."
"We will! Yun Jin, if you have time, I'll definitely come to Liyue to seek guidance again."
Nilou looked at Yun Jin with a smile, realizing she hadn't come in vain today. Meeting the legendary opera singer Yun Jin was such a great fortune!
Meanwhile, Mona, who hadn't earned a single cent, silently ordered a bowl of sweet soup dumplings. She glanced at the game being played at the next table – wasn't that Genius Invokation TCG?
"Ahahaha, with my invincible deck, how could you possibly beat me? I am invincible!"
Arataki Itto's hearty laughter could be heard from afar.
"Is that so? But I'm not to be trifled with! Burst!"
Cyno directly used his Elemental Burst, turning a two-against-one disadvantage into a comeback victory.
"Ahhh, why? Why did I lose?"
"That's because you were too careless. Arrogance is never a good thing."
At a bookstall, Yae Miko held up a book, a little white fox perched on her shoulder. But that was all. Why were three people surrounding her?
"Wow, the male protagonist in this novel is so interesting, but why can't he accept feelings from multiple people alone? It's so sad to watch..."
Hu Tao frowned, wishing she were the male protagonist while reading the novel. She could be powerful and have beauties by her side. Wasn't that wonderful?
"You forgot, that's just the setting. If it weren't like this, how could it attract readers?"
Yae Miko smiled slightly. Setting was a crucial element. The novel's biggest selling point was the story of various beautiful women of unknown origins vying for the male protagonist.
That was what made this book appealing. Therefore, setting was very important.
Seeing the fireworks ascend, even Kamisato Ayaka, who was not far away, couldn't help but look up in admiration.
On the other side, Beidou leaned against the railing, occasionally taking sips from her bowl.