In truth, given his relationship with Hu Tao, Lu Lin could have invited her to move into the Serenitea Pot long ago.
The reason he hadn't was simple—
It wasn't ready yet.
If he invited Hu Tao now, where would she live?
This building had been given to Ganyu. It wouldn't be appropriate to have Hu Tao move in here directly.
So Lu Lin planned to build another house first.
After browsing through options, he selected a rather flamboyant, ghost-themed design.
The house had a darker aesthetic, called "Haunted Ghost Manor." Not completely gloomy, but it definitely had that atmosphere.
Hu Tao would absolutely love this style.
Using the system panel, he placed the house beside a pine forest. The setting made the vibe even stronger.
Buying the house itself didn't cost many points. The interior decorations could be arranged by Hu Tao herself later.
He saved the remaining points.
Originally, he had wanted to buy a grand main residence for himself—something with an enormous bed.
But the ones he liked were expensive. And with so few residents for now, a huge bed wasn't urgent.
There was no shortage of living space anyway.
Points were useful for many things: items, weapons… and at 5000 points, a residency trait draw.
When Lu Lin woke up again, it was already late morning the next day.
He didn't even remember when he had fallen asleep.
He must have truly been exhausted yesterday.
Ganyu was already gone from the Serenitea Pot.
She had taken a day off previously, and with the Guili Plains incident, she hadn't gone to Yuehai Pavilion for several days.
Baiwen and the other secretaries were overwhelmed.
Ganyu had to return to take control.
She left him a letter.
"Hmm~ Ganyu wants me to go to Yuehai Pavilion after I wake up. And she wants me to dress formally? What's this about?"
It sounded like attending an official event.
Though puzzled, he washed up and changed into the black formal attire Ganyu had previously gifted him.
Yuehai Pavilion
As one of Liyue's administrative centers, everyone here moved briskly, busy with affairs.
In Ganyu's office, documents were piled so high they blocked her head entirely—only the tips of her qilin horns were visible.
Yet she handled everything with astonishing efficiency.
Even Baiwen and the others assisting her were in awe.
"Miss Ganyu, a man named Lu Lin says he wishes to see you."
"Mm. Please ask him to wait in the reception room."
Work-mode Ganyu was composed and professional.
After finishing several urgent documents, she picked up a separate file and went to meet him.
Reception Room
Lu Lin was sipping tea—Chen Yu Immortal Tea from Chen Yu Valley.
Rich, fragrant, exquisite.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I had a few urgent matters."
The moment she entered, the sharp professional aura melted into her usual gentle warmth.
"It's fine. Let's get straight to it—why did you call me here?"
"One of the Liyue Qixing, Tianquan Ningguang, wishes to meet you."
"Ningguang? Why?"
"She didn't say. But I believe it's because of this report."
She handed him the Guili Plains Incident Report.
"The details about your role were vague. According to Liyue law, you qualify for rewards for resolving such incidents. The Qixing must approve them. She likely wants to hear directly from you."
Lu Lin skimmed the report.
It indeed glossed over specifics of his contribution.
"So if she asks about the details, do you want me to tell her?" he asked, gently pinching Ganyu's cheek.
After all, it involved private matters concerning her and Hu Tao.
"Ningguang is very discreet. It's fine if she knows."
Ganyu blushed faintly but didn't object.
She had already decided to stay with him openly.
"Alright. Do I go to the Jade Chamber?"
"Mm! Want me to accompany you?"
"No need. You're busy."
"Then Baiwen will guide you. Tonight—Wanmin Restaurant?"
"Wanmin it is."
Taking advantage of a private moment, Lu Lin leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
The Jade Chamber
Lu Lin followed Baiwen up to the magnificent floating palace.
He couldn't help but admire it.
A floating sky palace—something even advanced technology in his previous world couldn't achieve.
Though he knew—
Soon, this luxurious structure would be used as a weapon and sacrificed to the sea.
He had already deduced the timeline.
The Traveler Lumine had just resolved the Mondstadt Dragon Crisis and was on her way to Liyue.
Rex Lapis' assassination had not yet occurred.
"Mr. Lu, please enter. Lady Ningguang has been waiting."
Baiwen stopped at the door.
Lu Lin entered alone.
The office was lavish beyond measure.
Calligraphy masterpieces, priceless antiques, rare plants.
Any single item here could support an ordinary person for decades.
At the center stood a tall, elegant woman in golden-yellow attire.
White hair pinned up gracefully.
Noble, poised, refined like an orchid in a secluded valley.
Sensing his arrival, she turned with a gentle smile.
"Mr. Lu Lin? A pleasure to meet you."
"Ningguang, the pleasure is mine."