Genshin Impact: My Villain System Isn't Working Properly

Ganyu made yet another mistake. 

She had resolved not to leave the bottle lying around again. 

Yet, after dinner, feeling warm and a bit drowsy, she carelessly left the freshly filled bottle on the stove. 

Jiang Ning, upon noticing the bottle, thought to himself, If it's there, I might as well drink it. Thinking he might not get another chance, he downed it in one gulp. 

The next day, when Ganyu discovered what had happened, she was utterly stunned. 

Her mind was elsewhere the entire day at work, and even when Keqing came to consult her, Ganyu remained in a daze. 

Left with no choice, Keqing gave Ganyu the day off. 

As a former workaholic, Ganyu had accrued plenty of leave, but this wasn't a sustainable solution. 

She realized she needed to address the root of the issue. 

It wasn't just about the disruption to her daily life and work; the situation was unbearably embarrassing. 

However, turning to her master, Cloud Retainer, for help was out of the question—the adeptus had a reputation for being a notorious gossip. 

There was only one person she could confide in, someone capable of offering advice without spreading the story far and wide: Granny Ping. 

Taking the opportunity of her day off, Ganyu headed to Yujing Terrace with gifts of premium Qingxin flowers and Glaze Lilies. 

"Granny Ping," she greeted warmly. 

"Goodness, bringing gifts? You never used to be so formal," Granny Ping said with a chuckle as she accepted them. 

But noticing Ganyu's hesitant demeanor, Granny Ping quickly discerned the purpose of her visit. 

"You seem to have something on your mind. Tell me about it. If this old woman can help, I'll gladly do so," she said. 

Still, Ganyu hesitated, her cheeks burning red. 

Seeing her embarrassment, Granny Ping's expression softened with understanding. 

Ah, so our little Ganyu has reached that stage, Granny Ping thought. 

It seems she has someone she cares about deeply. 

Finally, Ganyu mustered the courage to explain her predicament. 

But as Ganyu's explanation continued, Granny Ping's kind smile gradually froze, turning into an expression of disbelief. 

What?! Granny Ping had initially thought Ganyu simply had a crush or perhaps a romantic interest. 

But now it seemed Ganyu had skipped those steps entirely and entered… a mating period? 

Granny Ping knew about this phase of Qilin physiology, having been close friends with Ganyu's mother. 

But this development was far more dramatic than she had anticipated. 

Cloud Retainer, you've failed as a mentor. 

First Shenhe set her sights on Jiang Ning, and now Ganyu, too? What is this bizarre pattern of behavior in your disciples? 

Still, Granny Ping consoled herself with the thought that Cloud Retainer hadn't exhibited any similarly questionable tendencies. At least some dignity had been preserved. 

After thinking of her own well-disciplined disciples, Granny Ping felt a bit smug. At least I've done better as a teacher. 

That said, Granny Ping couldn't deny that Ganyu had good taste. 

She herself had recently learned about Jiang Ning's unique qualities during a conversation with Rex Lapis. Knowing this, she understood why Jiang Ning had drawn so much attention. 

But still… two senior disciples targeting the same junior? Even someone as experienced as Granny Ping found this situation bewildering. 

Let the younger ones deal with their own troubles, she finally decided. She resolved to tease Cloud Retainer about this next time they met. 

For now, though, she focused on Ganyu's predicament. 

"Your mother did mention something about this phase," Granny Ping began, her tone slightly awkward. 

"What did she say?" Ganyu asked eagerly. 

Granny Ping explained, "There's a saying: He who ties the knot must untie it. Since Jiang Ning is the source of your turmoil, the solution lies with him. Achieve emotional and physical resolution with him, and this awkward period will pass—or at least become manageable." 

After a pause, she added, "Alternatively, you can sever your feelings entirely and abandon the attachment." 

"W-what?" Ganyu's face turned crimson, and she began fidgeting uncomfortably. 

Although she had no experience in such matters, she understood the implications of Granny Ping's words. However, the idea filled her with guilt and left her utterly flustered. 

"I've said all I can. The choice is yours," Granny Ping concluded with a smile. She was genuinely curious about Ganyu's decision. Would she choose emotional resolution or total detachment? 

As for legal or moral concerns, Granny Ping wasn't worried in the slightest. After Ganyu's many years of loyal service to Liyue, she deserved a little personal happiness. If Ganyu wanted to indulge herself with Jiang Ning, Granny Ping would even help cover it up. 

Lost in thought, Ganyu left Yujing Terrace. 

As she wandered aimlessly, she stopped and realized where she was: the storefront she had recently inspected for fire safety. 

Standing at the entrance was Ying'er. As if guided by an invisible force, Ganyu approached her. 

----

At Wangshu Inn, Zhongli gazed into the distance, seemingly sensing something. He let out a sigh and spoke calmly:

"Since you've come, why not show yourself and join me?"

"Eh-heh, old man, long time no see! How have you been lately?" 

A green figure appeared on the railing of the terrace—Venti, casually taking a seat as he greeted Zhongli with a grin. 

"Hmm... a foreign god entering Liyue without notice..." Zhongli's gaze carried a hint of disapproval. 

Venti chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, come on, we're old friends by now, aren't we? No need to be so serious about it, old man." 

Zhongli's expression softened. "Very well... but there's still another matter. You always have to pay the price for your actions." 

Venti's smile faltered, his face drooping. "You're not still holding that grudge, are you? It's been so many years!" 

Zhongli's tone remained composed. "He who breaks a contract must suffer the punishment of stone. When you forged my contract without permission back then, you should have known this day would come." 

Venti winced and sighed, resigned. "Fine, old man, go ahead." 

He reasoned that, given their long-standing friendship, Zhongli wouldn't actually go too far. 

As he thought this, Zhongli calmly poured a cup of tea. The liquid glowed with a rich, divine power and emanated a faint aura of Geo energy. 

"Wait, old man, you're serious?!" 

Sensing danger, Venti instinctively prepared to flee, but Zhongli gently placed a hand on his shoulder, effortlessly holding him in place. 

Faced with Zhongli's resolute expression, Venti had no choice but to gulp down the tea in one go. 

The Geo Archon's divine energy surged through his body, causing excruciating pain that made him clench his teeth. 

Zhongli placed his hand on Venti's shoulder, channeling his energy to assist with the absorption. 

"Focus your mind, regulate your breathing. This will be good for your injuries," Zhongli said. 

Venti obeyed, enduring the ordeal with great effort. 

Eventually, the process was complete. Venti, drenched in sweat, allowed a breeze of Anemo energy to dry him off. 

"Old man, you really don't hold back," Venti muttered, a bitter smile on his lips. 

Zhongli gave him a sidelong glance. "If I hadn't held back, it wouldn't have been tea but an entire meteor greeting you." 

"Fine, fine, I get it—you're being lenient," Venti relented. He glanced upward and called out, "Xiao, no need to keep watching from there. Come down and join us." 

Moments later, Xiao appeared, looking awkward. On one hand was Barbatos, who had once saved him, and on the other was Rex Lapis, his revered master. It was a tense situation for him. 

"Your karmic burdens seem to have eased recently... hmm?" Venti observed Xiao's aura, noting a newfound calm. 

"It's Jiang Ning, isn't it? That kid must have helped you," Venti said knowingly. 

Xiao nodded. "He did..." 

"So Jiang Ning even lent you a hand in Mondstadt, eh?" Zhongli interjected. 

Venti gave Zhongli a pointed look. "Don't play coy. I can sense your divine energy on that kid. You must have chosen him as your successor. Are you really going to pretend you didn't notice the danger he was in?" 

Zhongli responded coolly, "So you're suggesting I should hold you accountable for putting my successor in harm's way?" 

Venti's face paled. "No, no, no, don't do that. I'm already at rock bottom! I have nothing left for you to take!" 

Zhongli considered him thoughtfully. "So, you've made up your mind to cooperate?" 

"Wait, wait! What are you talking about? I don't know anything about that! My Gnosis was stolen because I was grievously injured and ambushed by the Abyss. It wasn't my fault!" Venti blurted, nervously eyeing the sky. 

Zhongli chuckled faintly. "So be it... As for the Tsaritsa, I've been pondering what kind of contract to draft with her." 

"That's your business," Venti said with a hint of schadenfreude. "I've washed my hands of all that." 

Zhongli's eyelid twitched slightly. "So, why have you come today? What is it you want?" 

Venti pulled out an ancient-looking wine bottle. "Hehe, it's been so long since we met. I brought this fine wine to share with you, old man!" 

"Since an old friend insists... it would be rude to decline," Zhongli replied. 

Venti turned to Xiao. "Come join us!" 

"But..." Xiao hesitated. 

"It's fine. Join us," Zhongli reassured him. 

"Yes, Lord Rex Lapis... and Lord Barbatos," Xiao agreed reluctantly. 

With a few simple dishes to accompany the aged wine, the three began their gathering. 

Venti savored his drink, then said with a grin, "Old man, you've got a sharp eye. That Jiang Ning kid—decisive, cunning, immensely talented... and he even managed to purify Dvalin's tainted blood and abyssal corruption. Remarkable!" 

"You Mondstadt folk have talented individuals as well," Zhongli remarked. 

Venti waved dismissively. "Not like him. Our young ones are full of issues..." 

He listed them off with a sigh—Jean's overburdened sense of duty, Lisa's frail health, Diluc's heartbreak, Eula's complicated heritage, and Kaeya's mysterious ties to Khaenri'ah. 

Zhongli's faint smile suggested satisfaction, knowing his own protégés were far more dependable. 

"By the way, that kid purified the Abyssal energy in Dvalin," Venti suddenly mentioned, his tone serious. 

Zhongli's expression immediately shifted, and with a wave of his hand, a barrier of divine power enveloped them. 

"Are you certain?" 

Venti nodded. "I witnessed it myself. To ensure secrecy, I used my own power to shield the scene." 

"If that's true..." Zhongli furrowed his brow, reassessing his plans. 

Jiang Ning's potential to neutralize Abyssal energy fundamentally changed everything. 

Zhongli realized that Jiang Ning's safety had to become a top priority, and his training needed to be intensified. 

If Jiang Ning truly held the key to countering the Abyss, he might be the pivotal figure in Teyvat's future. 

"What's your take on this?" Zhongli asked. 

Venti replied, "We need to confirm it with him directly. Once it's clear, I'll offer my full support." 

"If true, his strength must be cultivated to the fullest," Zhongli agreed. 

Privately, Zhongli had already begun considering whether to borrow the Anemo Archon's authority for Jiang Ning—and perhaps persuade other Archons to do the same. 

Zhongli's gaze turned toward Celestia, laden with new considerations and schemes. 

"And Inazuma?" Venti asked. "The air there reeks of despair and death. I'm worried." 

Zhongli's tone was steady. "That's Baal's domain. If things worsen, she won't stand idly by." 

"Let's hope she comes to her senses... Enough of that. More wine!" Venti exclaimed.

----

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