On the island, at the Millelith camp.
“Um…”
A soldier hesitated, murmuring quietly.
“Lady Yuheng said… the work is done.”
“Ah… I see…”
Silence fell over the camp.
The Millelith stared up at the sky, their expressions a mix of relief and bewilderment.
Finishing a job under Lady Yuheng’s command was truly something to celebrate.
But for some reason, something felt… off.
The serious and disciplined figure of their leader was nowhere to be seen.
Dear Archons, what had happened?
Lady Yuheng had skipped work!
“So… where exactly is Lady Yuheng now?”
Finally, a brave soldier raised his hand and cautiously asked.
“Probably off working overtime on her own,” someone joked.
“Hahaha… Yeah, that sounds about right.”
“Exactly, exactly.”
The Millelith waved at the distant ship heading toward Inazuma, smiles plastered across their faces.
Suddenly, someone muttered, as if realizing too late:
“Lady Yuheng… has been abducted.”
Who knew what kind of chaos this news would cause once it reached Liyue?
—
Out at sea, the waters were calm, and the sky a brilliant blue.
It was the kind of weather that put people at ease.
“Ahhh… I’m so sleepy.”
Ren stretched lazily, a relaxed smile gracing his face.
Slacking off and basking in the sun openly—it was a great way to unwind.
Of course, what pleased him even more…
Was the fact that he’d successfully brought a certain cat-like girl along with him.
The thought made Ren smile, unable to hide his satisfaction.
Adorable little kitty, now that you’re on this ship, don’t think about leaving so easily.
As Ren indulged in his daydreams…
Swish!
A flash of cold steel sliced through the air, carrying a sharp, menacing aura.
Ren’s expression shifted as he narrowly tilted his head to avoid the strike.
The cold gleam brushed past dangerously close—had he reacted a second later…
“Keqing, practicing swordplay like this is really dangerous,” Ren said, raising his hands in surrender as he looked at the girl holding the sword. His tone was helpless.
This wasn’t something he wanted to mess with.
“I knew it—you’re slacking off again.”
Keqing’s delicate fingers ran along her sword’s blade, her cheeks slightly flushed from the exertion of training.
She glared at Ren, who had been lazing around for ages.
The nerve of him, staring at her all this time.
Come to think of it, was there something odd about her Cloud-Splitter Swordplay, Second Form?
Ren seemed particularly fascinated by that move…
“Work-life balance is important,” Ren said as he quickly sat up, patting the spot beside him.
“Come on, kitty, sit here and rest for a bit.”
“You’re always up to no good,” Keqing muttered under her breath, turning her head slightly to hide her embarrassment.
Still, she couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at Ren’s hopeful expression.
There was only one spot to sit on the deck, and everyone else had conveniently been “kicked out.” No one would disturb them.
“F-fine, I guess I have no choice.”
Keqing gave a small huff before walking over and gracefully sitting down next to him, her long legs clad in black stockings crossing delicately.
Despite her words, her actions betrayed her.
She carefully smoothed her skirt, sitting upright and avoiding Ren’s gaze.
The sea breeze tousled her silky hair, carrying her soft fragrance to Ren’s nose.
He blinked, feeling a sudden urge.
Report: the kitty is teasing me.
“You could put the sword away, you know,” Ren suggested after observing her for a moment. His tone was light but pointed.
With that sword sitting there, it was difficult for him to… well, “check on her,” let’s say.
“We’re almost at Inazuma,” Keqing murmured, glancing at the sword in her hand.
“So?” Ren tilted his head, not following.
Swish!
Keqing thrust the sword into the air, the motion swift as lightning.
Ren couldn’t help but shiver at the chilling sharpness.
“Obviously, I’m planning to spar with my sisters over there and trade sword techniques,” Keqing said with a smile, though her expression was anything but innocent.
Ren: …
“You could try to get along peacefully instead,” he offered, gazing at the horizon as he spoke cautiously.
As he did, he reached out and gently took Keqing’s small hand, giving it a light squeeze.
Her hand was soft—comfortably so.
“…”
Keqing shot him a sideways glance but didn’t pull her hand back.
After confessing her feelings, she no longer minded these small gestures from Ren.
“Fighting all the time isn’t good, you know.”
“Whoever bullies you in the future, I’ll handle them,” Ren added casually, pulling his sword from its sheath as he spoke.
Dangerous tools like that? He’d better hold on to them himself.
“You’re the only one who’s been bullying me,” Keqing muttered, wrapping her arms around his and leaning her head on his shoulder.
“And you’re still smiling about it. You’re the one who dragged me onto this ship in the first place.”
The kitty puffed her cheeks, giving Ren a light punch on the arm.
“Didn’t you agree to come with me?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s still your fault.”
“You caught me,” Ren admitted with a grin as he gently wrapped his arm around Keqing’s slender waist.
To be fair, his motives hadn’t been entirely pure.
But who cared? The important thing was that she was here now.
Cuddling Keqing was warm and comfortable—an absolute joy.
Yep, she’d definitely make a great pillow.
“The smug look on your face proves you’re a scoundrel,” Keqing huffed, pushing Ren away.
If they were in Liyue, she’d definitely call the Millelith on him.
“Keqing, where are you going?”
“I haven’t slept all night. I’m going to rest.”
Keqing’s heels clicked softly as she turned to leave. But before walking off, she looked back and kicked Ren lightly, her face still puffed in frustration.
If she didn’t leave now, he’d surely start causing trouble again.
“Rest well. Need any help?” Ren teased.
“Go to hell!”
Keqing whipped her twin tails as she stomped off, her footsteps echoing against the deck.
Ren watched her retreating figure with a sigh.
He hadn’t hugged her enough, and now the kitty had run away.
—
This is a fan translation of 原神：人在提瓦特，贴贴就能变强 by 萌红叶. 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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