The quiet streets of Liyue Harbor glimmered faintly under the warm lantern light as Baizhu turned the key in the lock, closing Bubu Pharmacy for the night. Qiqi was already clutching her little satchel, ready for her rare sleepover at Yaoyao’s home. With his usual patience, Baizhu guided her along, the faint jingle of Changsheng’s scales accompanying each step.

After bidding the little zombie girl goodbye and watching Yaoyao eagerly usher her inside, he finally made his way back through the serene, lamplit streets toward the shop.

Inside, the air was still and faintly fragrant with medicinal herbs. He slipped into the back room with a calm smile, unfastening his robe slightly so Changsheng could settle in for her rest. The room seemed to hum with peace—until a sudden weight struck him from behind.

Baizhu didn’t flinch; instead, a soft laugh escaped him as he tilted his head, his hand coming up to stroke silky hair with deliberate tenderness. “My my… did I leave you alone too long…?” he murmured, gaze dropping to the figure clinging to him—a certain vampire, hidden away from the rest of Liyue, whose presence had become his quiet secret and strange comfort.