She had never even considered the concept of red envelopes, let alone dared to imagine receiving one. In past festivals, she had always been alone, feeling out of place no matter how lively the celebrations.
It had been better in previous years, when she spent holidays with Granny Ping and other Adepti. Even so, she had never received a red envelope since childhood.
"I don't know what to say, but I believe this is your thoughtful gesture, so I will accept it with sincerity. Thank you, Lu Ze."
Ganyu's face was filled with genuine gratitude. As a divine beast, a Qilin, her sincere thanks were said to bring good fortune.
"I'm glad you accepted it. I was worried you wouldn't," Lu Ze chuckled. Paimon, standing nearby, seemed to recall something and quickly said,
"Right, Ganyu! There's one more thing we wanted to ask of you. Uncle Devoshak's ancestor's story, it's very likely the Adepti from Liyue. I'll explain the general situation."
After a detailed account, Ganyu frowned. With only fragments of information, she dared not make any assumptions. As far as she knew, someone who could rescue a person without a trace and then disappear…
There weren't many such individuals. Coupled with the beautiful melody of a zither, it made the mystery even harder to unravel.
"I'm sorry, Devoshak, but I don't have much to go on. However, I will certainly do my best to help you find the origin."
Ganyu's face was earnest, adding an extra layer of charm.
But Devoshak quickly waved his hands, saying, "I've already troubled Miss Ganyu with the Rainbow Tour. I couldn't possibly trouble you with this matter of my ancestor as well. Anyone else would feel embarrassed, so please, Miss Ganyu, I will search for this on my own after this performance."
Before he could finish speaking, Ganyu directly interrupted him, her expression showing a hint of stubbornness.
"Devoshak, I understand the importance of one's origins. I myself am also pursuing my own origins alone. Yet, after many years, there has been no result. I also understand the tenacity of a person pursuing something. So! I want to help you. At the very least, it can lighten your burden."
Ganyu's sincerity gave Devoshak a slight pause. After thinking for a moment, he finally said solemnly,
"Thank you, Miss Ganyu. If it weren't for the Rainbow Tour that I still have to organize, I would absolutely go with you. I am truly sorry."
Devoshak bowed slightly, a gesture of his gratitude and respect towards Miss Ganyu.
"No, no, please rise. This is merely my personal wish. However, I will need to trouble the Traveler to accompany me. Your connections are extensive, and your presence will increase our chances of success."
Ganyu placed her hand over her heart and looked at the Traveler beside her.
The Traveler was taken aback. What was happening? Why was she being dragged into everything? She didn't want to go! Every time she was busy running errands, not only did she receive no reward, but she also ended up exhausted.
However, it was Ganyu's invitation. Her ice-blue eyes looked at her silently, and the Traveler couldn't bear it. It was impossible to refuse.
"Alright, I understand… I'll go with Ganyu. When exactly is it?"
The Traveler reluctantly agreed. Ganyu smiled slightly. At least she would have company, wasn't that good?
"As for the time, it will be tomorrow morning. I'll finish all my tasks as quickly as possible. If I hadn't worked overtime a few days ago, I wouldn't even have had the time."
Ganyu complained softly. Although she had taken on those tasks herself, it was indeed exhausting!
"Lu Ze, are you coming?"
The Traveler looked at Lu Ze. If one more person joined, it wouldn't be so boring. Especially when meeting that person, the conversation might not be so awkward, as it wouldn't involve her at all, right?
"I'm free tomorrow. If you really want to invite me, then I will certainly go."
Lu Ze was bored anyway. It was a good opportunity to meet some Adepti and offer New Year's greetings. As for giving red envelopes? Perhaps not. After all, red envelopes probably wouldn't do much for Adepti.
"Then it's settled. We'll go together tomorrow morning. It's quite late today, so let's go back and rest. We've been busy all day, and even I'm tired. Don't you think so, Paimon?"
Paimon, flying in the air, yawned. She hadn't slept well that morning, and after all the running around, she was definitely tired. All she wanted now was to go back quickly, lie on her soft bed, and fall asleep soundly.
As for Sweet Flower Wine Chicken? That could wait. When it was time to eat, she'd ask the Traveler to buy it for her. It was the Traveler's debt to her, and she didn't believe she could refuse.
Seeing that even Paimon felt the same, Lu Ze nodded, indicating that they would meet there tomorrow.
"Then I'll be going. Be careful on your way, and don't encounter any danger."
The Traveler quickly nodded in response. Then Lu Ze walked away, his solitary figure noticed by the few people. If it weren't for the fact that he had a whole household, they might have thought he was truly alone in the world.
"Then, Uncle Devoshak, let's go take a look at the performance venue. It might not be very large, so I hope you won't mind. I also wish your Rainbow Tour great success."
Keqing paused and continued,
"And you, Ganyu! Absolutely no overtime tonight. Seeing how you've been working yourself ragged these past few days, I feel like you could fall asleep standing up at any moment. So, no overtime today, absolutely, positively! Go home after work, eat dinner, and then go straight to sleep! Understand?"
Keqing spoke like an elder sister, directly lecturing Ganyu.
"Okay… okay, I understand. I know you're concerned about me, Keqing. Let's go out and have some fun when I have time."
Ganyu seemed to let go of something, a playful smile on her face.
"Alright, alright, then I won't bother you. Hurry up and finish your work for today! Uncle Devoshak, come with me, I'll take you there."
Devoshak, standing there unsure of what to do, instinctively murmured an assent. The backs of the two as they left were imprinted in Ganyu's eyes.
"It's time to get back to work… Work, work. If the work isn't finished, how can I rest?"
Ganyu turned and returned to Yuehai Pavilion, going to her own desk to deal with the large stack of documents.
At her usual pace, she could finish these documents in a single day, and with very detailed annotations. However, having been delayed for half a day, she could only speed up and make more cursory edits.