After some commotion...
What should have been a simple measurement task taking just over ten minutes was delayed for quite a while due to Bonanus's struggles.
Earlier, someone had been saying not to waste time, but now it seemed Bonanus was the one causing the biggest delay.
Regardless, thanks to the staff's relentless efforts, they "successfully" managed to take Bonanus's measurements.
Although Bonanus felt terribly embarrassed, she didn't blame the staff. Blaming others for something like this would be far too childish.
And so, with her body still tingling from the experience, Bonanus walked out slowly with a resigned expression.
Following behind her came the sturdy female staff members, wiping sweat from their foreheads with tissues. It seemed they had just gone through quite an intense struggle.
After all, it's not easy for mortals to restrain an adeptus. Who knows what they just went through in there?
"Well, well, Sister Bonanus." Xiao, who had been resting with his eyes closed, heard the commotion and slowly opened his eyes, waving toward her.
"Little sister sure screamed loudly just now!" Bosacius rested his chin on his hand, studying Bonanus's expression intently.
Her face was just as flushed as when she'd been in the measurement room—the redness had even crept all the way to the back of her ears.
How embarrassing!
"That was beyond my control!" Bonanus muttered quietly.
She truly felt mortified. Fortunately, most Liyue folks were out enjoying the Lantern Rite festivities right now.
If anyone had heard her, she'd have died of social death on the spot. An adeptus screaming—just thinking about that topic was scandalous enough.
"Big brother understands. Nothing to be ashamed of."
Bosacius reached out with his rough, large hand and gently patted Bonanus's head, hoping to offer some comfort.
"Mmm..."
Bonanus nodded slightly. She hadn't realized her tail was so sensitive until today. If a similar situation ever arose again, she would firmly refuse!
"Time to go. We still have many things to do." Xiao walked over and gently took Bonanus's wrist, offering a reassuring expression before leading her away.
Seeing himself left behind, Bosacius shook his head helplessly. He turned to the fabric shop owner standing nearby and said with a smile,
"Then I'll leave it in your hands. Sorry for all the trouble."
"Not at all, honored adeptus! To encounter adepti so close to ordinary people—we're overjoyed! Why would we mind such small matters?"
The shop owner beamed. In his eyes, these adepti before him carried no trace of lofty superiority.
Such personalities were genuinely endearing. Nobody liked those who placed themselves above others.
Thus, the shop owner held a very favorable impression of these几位 (distinguished ones).
"Haha, we've always been this way. Otherwise, we wouldn't have chosen to experience mortal life." Bosacius placed his hands on his hips, striking a reassuring pose.
"Excellent! I'll tell my acquaintances—if they encounter adepti in the mortal world, no need to panic!" The owner nodded vigorously.
After nodding, he returned to business. Glancing toward the two adepti waiting outside the shop, he said to Bosacius,
"Honored adeptus, garment crafting may take considerable time. Could you provide an exact address? Once completed, we'll deliver them directly to you."
Custom tailoring wasn't something completed in a day or two. Ordinary clothes took at least a week.
Even the most experienced master craftsmen couldn't rush it. In this trade, every stitch required careful attention.
"Address... just send them to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor." Bosacius scratched the back of his head. After thinking hard, that was the only place he could recall.
After all, it was where he'd first stayed overnight, and many of his previously purchased items were also there.
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Got it, honored adeptus." The owner nodded slightly. He'd heard yesterday that an adeptus had taken residence there.
"It seems now that it's really true! Looks like next time I'll have to make time to go to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and soak up some good fortune. When going, he'd have to prepare some gifts—just in case luck strikes and something unexpectedly good happens?"
Hu Tao: Good things include Wangsheng's discount services?
In the eyes of many Liyue folk, adepti symbolized good fortune. Of course, apart from certain members of the Qixing who didn't see it that way.
After all, the era of human governance was approaching.
After finalizing the delivery location, the two chatted briefly about other topics. Knowing he shouldn't delay too long, Bosacius quickly wrapped up the conversation.
---
Outside the fabric shop.
"I thought someone couldn't bear to come out." Xiao leaned against the wall, arms crossed, glancing sideways at Bosacius.
The reason Xiao had led Bonanus out first was that he'd noticed the lingering embarrassment on her face.
Understandable—after all, as an adeptus, screaming so pitifully in front of mortals was undeniably humiliating.
Rather than letting her continue feeling awkward inside, it was better to bring her out for some fresh air.
"Alatus, you need to learn how to interact with mortals. Communicate with them more—it can deepen bonds." Bosacius patted Xiao's back. Always maintaining this aloof demeanor wasn't good.
"I have no interest in interacting with them. If not for Sister Bonanus, I wouldn't even be here." Xiao said indifferently.
He spoke the truth. If Bonanus and Bosacius hadn't insisted on experiencing the Lantern Rite festivities, he'd never have come to such a crowded place.
Having always acted alone in the past, solitude had become a habit for Xiao.
"You haven't changed at all." Bosacius spread his hands helplessly. Since that incident with the God of Dreams, Xiao had completely transformed.
That innocent child from before was now utterly different—even Bosacius couldn't help but sigh.
"We shouldn't get close to mortals anyway. You know our karmic debt adversely affects them." Xiao shook his head in response.
...
And so, the two went back and forth. Bosacius wished Xiao wouldn't resist human interaction so much, while Xiao maintained that in certain aspects, they Yakshas weren't suited to approaching humans.
Nearby, Bonanus, who had just escaped her embarrassment, listened to their exchange and couldn't help but frown.
Why were these two starting to bicker here? Honestly, just give her some more time—she'd guarantee to cleanse their karmic debt completely.
"You two, stop arguing. Since we're already here, all this talk is useless." Bonanus casually waved at them and headed toward the liveliest area.
Bosacius and Xiao exchanged glances, unsure what to say. They could only shake their heads and follow.
"Honestly, we came out to have fun, and you two have to bring up such troubling matters." Bonanus frowned at the two men now flanking her.
"I'm sorry..." Xiao moved closer, his attitude sincere in admitting fault.
Seeing Xiao apologize directly, Bonanus nodded approvingly. This slightly dejected expression of his—perhaps only she could witness it?
"Little sister, not embarrassed about the measurements anymore?" Bosacius placed his palm on Bonanus's head, grinning.
Hearing this, Bonanus's face immediately fell. She stomped hard on Bosacius's toes, causing him great pain.
Indeed, adepti and mortals shared the same pain.
"Little sister, when did you become so fierce?" Bosacius suppressed the pain in his toes, finding it somewhat amusing.
"And big brother hasn't changed either. You never used to say things like that to tease me." Bonanus revealed a slight smile.
"Ah, well..." Bosacius coughed dryly. It seemed she had a point.
"To me, Bosacius has always been like this—says whatever comes to mind without thinking." Xiao curled the corner of his mouth slightly, shaking his head.
"Hey! Have you forgotten your big brother's tactical arrangements from before?" Bosacius raised both arms high, as if demonstrating his brilliance.
Bonanus watched the two start up again, shaking her head and covering her mouth with a light laugh.
But then, a place where people had gathered caught her attention. She stood on tiptoe, gazing curiously in that direction.
"Hey, hey! You two look over there—what's that?!"