When you found the truth behind Rex lapis’ death, Zhongli couldn’t risk you exposing it- so he decided to imprison you in his lair.

This way his secret wouldn’t be revealed and a bonus: he could keep you for himself. The dragon was infatuated with you, and now he had a reason to keep you close at all times.

You were his guilty pleasure. He deserved you after protecting Liyue for 6000 years. That’s what he told himself.

“I’m sorry love, but you and I both know you can’t win against me.”