C10 I Don't Want to Farm the Relics Anymore

"Woo woo... I can't thank you enough, Miss Keqing..."

Mu Jin trailed behind Keqing, looking as pitiful and obedient as a dog caught by its owner.

"Don't worry about it. The Adventurers' Guild you're looking for is on my way."

Keqing observed Mu Jin, her mind flashing back to the scene she had stumbled upon earlier.

The white-haired girl was crouched at the roadside, her head bowed, hiding her face from view.

Despite her own busy schedule, Keqing felt compelled to approach upon seeing the girl's despondent demeanor.

"Are you okay? Do you need any help?"

She had barely spoken when the girl looked up, revealing eyes as blue and clear as the sky, brimming with tears, her eyes rimmed red as if she were on the verge of crying.

She seemed so vulnerable.

No, Keqing! You're here to help! You shouldn't be thinking like that!

"Are you okay?"

Keqing's voice softened, a rare occurrence.

Mu Jin sniffled, her embarrassment palpable.

This was more frustrating than going hungry!

Wuu... She hadn't anticipated such humiliation.

I'm sorry, Kiana, for bringing shame to your body!

Lost after asking for directions, unable to decipher the local script...

"Sorry... I'm just trying to find the Adventurers' Guild, but I can't seem to find my way..." And I can't read.

Mu Jin stood up, facing Keqing with caution.

"Um, do you happen to know where the Adventurers' Guild is?"

Keqing, now looking up at Mu Jin who was several centimeters taller, felt a twinge of self-consciousness about her height for the first time.

She sighed internally, snapping out of it, and responded to Mu Jin's inquiry, "Yes, I know where it is. It's on my route, so let's head there together."

It was, after all, a good deed.

Standing at the entrance of the Adventurers' Guild, Mu Jin hastily expressed her gratitude to Keqing.

"Thank you, Miss Keqing! Without you, I might have been lost for a long time. I really appreciate your help!"

"It's no trouble at all, I was headed this way anyway."

Keqing watched Mu Jin's mood visibly lift and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

This look suited her best.

Whenever those clear eyes gazed upon her, her mood would lift in a surprising way.

As a result, she treated Mu Jin with unexpected gentleness, foregoing her usual stern demeanor.

"So, if there's nothing else, may I go in?"

Just as Mu Jin was about to leave, Keqing stopped her, "Wait a second!"

"What... What is it, Miss Keqing?" Mu Jin blinked, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"You haven't told me your name yet."

You know my name, so it's only fair that you share yours.

That's right, Keqing is so busy, yet she took the time to bring me to the Adventurers' Guild. She's kind!

"Oh, I'm Mu Jin!"

"I'm Keqing."

Keqing didn't mention her profession.

She extended her hand to Mu Jin, who quickly reciprocated, shaking it warmly.

Ding! Keqing's favorability towards you is at 20%. She sees you as a lost girl, (but unexpectedly cute).

Mu Jin watched Keqing's retreating figure, and upon seeing the system's display of Keqing's favorable impression, she subconsciously touched her cheek.

Cute, huh?

After a brief daze, Mu Jin sighed and stepped into the Adventurers' Guild.

Upon opening the door, she was greeted by Catherine at the bar.

"Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild, where stars and abyss converge. Miss, are you here to commission a quest or to register as an adventurer?"

Catherine's voice was reminiscent of Rita's...

When I finally get Rita, I'll have to tease her a bit!

But for now, I should earnestly gather experience and crystals.

"Yes, I'd like to register as an adventurer."

I need to earn lots of crystals! And Mora!

Mu Jin's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at Catherine, brimming with expectation.

Catherine, seemingly taken aback by such an eager gaze, paused before detailing what it takes to become an adventurer.

The Adventurers' Guild was not crowded, and most of its members were preoccupied, paying no mind to Mu Jin and Catherine.

And to think... becoming an adventurer was this straightforward.

Mu Jin examined the small badge Catherine had processed for her and slipped it into her pocket.

"So, can I start taking on missions now?"

"Absolutely. You're allowed to take on four missions each day," Catherine said, still smiling at her.

"The mission board is this way."

Mu Jin peered at the mission board with curiosity. Most of the tasks involved finding cats or assisting with various errands.

Even though the words were a mystery to her, the images gave her a general idea.

And if anything was unclear, the ever-capable Miss Catherine was right there to help!

The outdoor missions entailed dealing with the hill-dwellers and the Treasure Hoarders nearby.

Mu Jin chose a few of the lighter tasks, like making deliveries and searching for cats.

She had to save her energy, after all, for promoting the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's culture with Hu Tao later that evening.

And as for the promotional strategy? She had it all figured out—people were in for a real surprise!

"Oh my goodness, come here... Sss..."

With no concern for appearances, Mu Jin sprawled on the tree, fighting off embarrassment as she inched toward the black and white cat under the subtle scrutiny of onlookers.

The cat simply flicked its ears, tail swishing as it listened to Mu Jin's approach.

It recognized her calls but couldn't be bothered to react.

So frustrating!

With determination, Mu Jin perched on the trunk and, in a quick motion, snatched the indifferent feline.

The cat gave Mu Jin a look and then settled comfortably in her arms.

Mission target secured, but now the question was—how to get down?

She gazed at the crowd below, all eager spectators.

They truly embodied Liyue's penchant for reveling in public spectacles.

You all just love a good scene, don't you? (gritting her teeth).

From this height, jumping down should be fine, right?

Mu Jin nervously swallowed.

She was, after all, clad in B-class Valkyrja armor—it ought to be safe!

With resolve, she leapt from the tree.

...

Huh?

Why did it feel so cushioned? There was no sensation of hitting solid ground.

And that scent... so achingly familiar.

"Are you okay?"

Mu Jin looked up to find Ganyu's face etched with concern.

It was then that she became aware that Ganyu had caught her.

In a bridal-style carry, no less.

She acutely sensed the fervent stares of the bystanders...

Oh, please, just let me disappear.