Aozang Mountain – Pool Island
After an entire night of cultivation, Shenhe slowly opened her eyes.
She glanced at the red rope resting beside her, a faint smile curving her lips. She raised her hand, flexing her fingers as warmth seeped into her usually cold expression.
Now, she could suppress her emotions for an entire night—one step closer to the goal her master had set for her.
Once I can endure a full day without the red rope and without being consumed by my murderous energy… I’ll be able to go down the mountain and find Luo Qing.
The thought alone softened her gaze even more.
As a resolute and straightforward young woman, once Shenhe understood her feelings, she had no intention of hiding them. She knew she liked Luo Qing, and for the sake of their reunion, she would give her all to master her emotions and descend the mountain.
Suddenly, a small finch appeared in the sky, carrying a letter in its beak.
Shenhe blinked in surprise, holding out her hand as the bird landed delicately on her finger.
“What’s this…?”
She retrieved the envelope and offered the bird a few nuts from her pocket. The little creature pecked them eagerly, chirped a few times, and flapped its wings as it took off toward Liyue Harbor.
Shenhe’s gaze lingered in the direction the finch had flown before she turned her attention to the letter in her hand. She carefully opened it.
Inside was a single piece of paper, upon which neat, elegant handwriting stated:
“Junior Sister, Luo Qing has returned.”
“!”
Shenhe’s eyes widened, the short message striking her heart like a lightning bolt.
Luo Qing is already in Liyue?! But he wasn’t supposed to arrive for at least another month!
“Luo Qing…”
Shenhe turned toward her master’s cave dwelling, a trace of hesitation flickering in her eyes.
According to her original plan, Luo Qing wouldn’t have arrived in Liyue for another month. That gave her two weeks to suppress her emotions for a full day, followed by another two weeks to travel to Liyue, where they would reunite perfectly on schedule.
But now…
Aozang Mountain was far from Liyue Harbor. Even if she traveled nonstop at full speed, it would take her at least a week to get there. Who knew how long Luo Qing would remain in Liyue?
If she waited until she had reached her master’s standard before descending, she might miss her chance entirely.
Her gaze wavered between the cave and the horizon. Finally, her eyes hardened with resolve.
—
After tinkering with mechanical designs all morning, Cloud Retainer finally remembered that it was lunchtime.
Pleased with her most recent culinary invention—a cooking automaton—she decided to prepare a proper meal for her beloved disciple, Shenhe.
Back when Shenhe hadn’t yet descended into the mortal world, they had survived on leaves and medicinal herbs. But now that Shenhe had returned from the mortal realm, Cloud Retainer felt it would be inappropriate to deprive her of proper cuisine. Thus, she had spent several nights creating a device that could produce authentic Liyue dishes.
“Shenhe, it’s time to eat!”
Cloud Retainer emerged from the cave, carefully using her adeptal powers to balance three dishes and a soup.
But when she stepped outside, the island was eerily quiet. Shenhe was nowhere to be found.
“Huh?” Cloud Retainer tilted her head, her tiny avian eyes narrowing in confusion.
Flapping her wings, she landed near the stone table and noticed a letter resting on top.
Her feathers ruffled with apprehension as she unfolded it.
“I’m sorry, Master. Luo Qing has returned, and I must go see him.”
“Wha—?!”
Cloud Retainer’s feathers practically stood on end in shock.
Didn’t I tell her she could only descend the mountain once she could suppress her emotions for a full day?
The moment Luo Qing returned, that girl had completely lost her composure?! She even dared to disobey her master’s instructions and leave without permission!
Is this her rebellious phase?!
“That child…” Cloud Retainer muttered, exasperation clear in her voice. She didn’t know whether to laugh or scold.
On the one hand, Shenhe’s decision to chase after someone she liked was a sign that her emotions had finally begun to resemble those of a true human being. She had developed the capacity to experience affection and pursue her desires—a far cry from the cold, detached girl she once was.
On the other hand… how could she be so reckless?
Falling for someone like a Fatui Harbinger? Did she have no sense of self-preservation?
What if he just uses her and casts her aside?!
“Sigh… oh well.”
Cloud Retainer shook her head, letting out a resigned sigh. Truthfully, she had always hoped Shenhe would descend the mountain and experience mortal life. If this was the choice Shenhe had made, then Cloud Retainer would not intervene.
Though I should’ve prepared her better, she thought ruefully. Perhaps then she wouldn’t have developed feelings for someone just because he held her waist… How naive.
And of all people—why did it have to be Luo Qing?
—
Guyun Stone Forest
After leaving the Jade Chamber, Luo Qing had a clear understanding of Ningguang’s intelligence.
It seemed likely that this was the work of that “rich guy.”
The timing was impeccable—releasing Osial during the Lantern Rite Festival would undoubtedly tarnish Liyue’s reputation and disrupt its economy.
The Lantern Rite was Liyue’s most celebrated festival, drawing countless foreign visitors every year and contributing significantly to its GDP. If Osial wreaked havoc during this critical period, the damage would be severe, regardless of whether or not they managed to subdue him again.
Poor Osial… Once a fearsome god, now nothing more than a pawn in the games of mortals.
Standing in front of what used to be a Fatui camp—where he had first met Theresa—Luo Qing couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.
If I hadn’t run into her back then, that silly girl would probably be long gone by now…
A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he remembered her clumsy yet endearing expressions. The thought warmed his heart.
I guess this is what they mean by “growing fond of someone over time.”
“Alright, I’ll make sure to dote on her a bit more next time.”
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Luo Qing turned his gaze to the sea. With a single leap, he dove into the depths below.
The original seal had been reactivated after the “Unbound” effect wore off. Luo Qing followed the same teleportation array Zhongli had once created, descending until he reached the circular platform where Osial remained imprisoned.
The mighty Vortex God, reduced to a husk of his former self, lay motionless within the seal. Two of his heads were still missing, evidence of the battle he had lost to Luo Qing.
“Long time no see, old friend. Did you miss me?” Luo Qing asked, walking up to the central head and giving it a light kick.
Osial’s eyes slowly opened, blazing with anger as recognition dawned.
“Li Feiyu! It’s you!” Osial bellowed, fury radiating from his voice. His eyes bulged with hatred, but his weakened state left him powerless. Not only was he grievously injured, but the seal still bound him tightly.
“I go by Luo Qing now,” Luo Qing replied with a smirk. “Or you can call me Buluo Aila.”
“What do you want?!” Osial roared. “Have you come to humiliate me further?!”
“Of course not.” Luo Qing’s smile deepened. “Actually, I’m here to offer you a new job.”
“A job?!”
—
T/N: this was like… 270 chapters agoo how time flies
This is a fan translation of 原神：这个见习执行官太屑了 by 何一乐. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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