Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Ren felt his vision darken.

How can this country girl eat so much?!

That enormous bundle of desserts was equivalent to the meal orders for the entire Tenryou Commission!

"You're going to pay, right?"

The vendor, sensing trouble, acted swiftly. He clung tightly to Ren's leg, refusing to let go.

"Let go," Ren said stiffly.

"No way!"

"Cough, actually... I'm not even close to her," Ren said with a dry cough, distancing himself from the situation.

However, no one believed him.

The vendor wailed even louder. "She's so pretty! What's the harm in buying her some food?"

"Treat your girlfriend well, young man!"

Ren's face fell. "What are you even talking about!?"

Mei's gaze flickered with curiosity.

The term "girlfriend" was unfamiliar to her.

In a calm, icy voice, she asked, "What is a girlfriend?"

The vendor opened his mouth to answer.

"Don't mind him—his brain's not working properly!" Ren quickly clamped a hand over the vendor's mouth, silencing him.

Good job. Don't say another word next time.

"Mmph!" The vendor tried to struggle.

"Fine, fine. I'll pay. Happy now?" Ren sighed in defeat.

The vendor eagerly nodded.

But before Ren could breathe a sigh of relief, he noticed the commotion had drawn a crowd.

Upon hearing the word "couple," onlookers began gathering to watch.

Eating snacks and gossiping were universal human instincts.

And with Mei's striking, cold beauty, she became the center of attention.

"Tsk, such a stingy guy."

"Seriously? Can't even buy his girlfriend a treat?"

"What a loser."

The murmurs of the crowd were filled with judgment and disdain.

Ren took a deep breath, fists clenching.

After handing over the Mora, he squeezed through the crowd without a word.

The moment he broke free, he bolted, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the scene of his public humiliation.

The cool evening breeze brushed past him.

Ren kept his head down, walking aimlessly until his blood pressure finally started to drop.

Then he stopped abruptly.

Wait. Did I just... leave the girl behind?!

Crap. No money and no girl—what a disaster!

He smacked his forehead, turned around, and began retracing his steps.

I can't just leave her. She's new to the city—what if she gets kidnapped?

"Ugh, what a pain," he muttered under his breath.

But as he turned, he was greeted by a familiar figure.

"..."

Mei stood behind him, her frosty aura unwavering.

They were so close he could feel the chill in the air between them.

Her long hair swayed in the evening breeze, the fox mask on her face partially hidden in shadow, adding to her eerie presence.

And she seemed to be chewing on something.

"!"

Ren's heart skipped a beat.

Why do you walk so silently at night? That's terrifying!

"You...!" He opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself.

I give up. This is too exhausting.

Mei ignored him, stepping past with a faint, sweet scent wafting in her wake.

She held the opened package of desserts in her arms, clearly having helped herself to the contents while he wasn't looking.

Ren's blood pressure spiked again.

Is this how you show manners?!

"Did you just steal some?" he couldn't help but ask.

Mei didn't answer, silently finishing whatever she was eating.

Spotting a nearby pavilion, she walked over and sat down, then glanced back at Ren.

After a moment of silence, she spoke.

"Why are you just standing there?"

Ren reluctantly walked over and sat across from her.

He watched as she calmly swallowed her dessert.

Forcing a smile, he asked, "Tasty?"

It better be. I paid for it.

At that moment, Ren felt an unexpected sense of connection to Tartaglia.

Mei nodded, her tone serene. "The texture is soft. Quite good."

[Ding! +1 Emotion Point from Mei.]

Ren: ...

Wait, what? Whose emotion point system is this? Does it unlock skills or something?

[Ding! System upgrade in progress. Please be patient.]

[Potential features, like a friendship point system, may be added.]

Ren inwardly scoffed. So basically, it's useless right now.

Mei finished eating and met his gaze.

Her fox mask still had a faint trace of crumbs clinging to it.

Ren turned his head, resting his face in his hand with a quiet huff.

I'm such a fool. Once I find her a place to stay, I'm out of here.

"I've made those who mocked you pay the price," Mei suddenly said, her cold voice breaking the silence.

"?"

Ren blinked, confused.

"Wait... are you talking about the crowd from earlier?"

Mei let out a soft hum, lifting her chin with quiet pride.

"They can no longer speak."

"??"

Ren shot to his feet, staring at her in horror.

A dreadful thought crossed his mind.

"You didn't... kill them, did you?"

Mei nodded.

"I silenced them."

"With desserts."

Ren froze. "You mean... you stuffed their mouths with desserts?"

Mei's serene gaze didn't falter.

"Physically, yes."

Ren exhaled deeply, relieved.

For some reason, this feels completely in character for her.

"Could you not say things in such a misleading way next time?"

Mei remained silent.

Ren sighed. She's not listening at all.

"Well, uh... thanks, I guess," he muttered begrudgingly.

But as the words left his mouth, he realized how absurd they sounded.

Why am I thanking her? Those desserts were bought with my money!

His blood pressure surged once more.

"You have my thanks," Mei said unexpectedly.

Ren turned to her, stunned.

Did the sun just rise in the west?

The icy country girl actually expressed gratitude.

"The desserts were delicious," she added.

"..."

Ren's blood pressure climbed higher.

Sensing his growing frustration, Mei's voice softened.

"I will reward you."

Ren frowned. "What did you say?"

"I will repay you."

Ren's expression relaxed slightly as he shook his head.

"And how exactly is a country girl like you going to repay me? You don't even know what Mora is used for!"

"Are you doubting me?" Mei's tone turned icy, her pride pricked.

"Alright, alright, I believe you..." Ren muttered.

But when he glanced at her again, his expression froze.

Crack!

Terrifying arcs of electricity crackled in Mei's hand, their glow fierce and wild.

In the next instant, she raised her hand and lunged at him.

[Ding! Strong Electro energy detected!]

[Don't ask. Just run!]

The usually quiet system erupted in a blaring alarm.