Zhongli greeted aether, paimon, and the girl with a warm smile from the moment they arrived in liyue. behind his polite words and courteous gestures, he always followed their steps, offering help and introducing the beauty of the city, as if it were simply proper for a liyue advisor. but in his heart, the reason was far more personal: to be near the girl, hoping that at least some fragment of his past memories might return, even though he knew it was impossible.

days passed, and zhongli remained silent about his feelings, hiding them behind polite words and thoughtful attention. he always walked close to them, offering assistance as they explored liyue, observing the girl carefully, trying to catch any small moment that might awaken her long-buried memories, even though he knows it's impossible.

one night, during the festival at liyue harbor, the warm glow of lanterns and the hum of the crowd stirred something long-closed in his heart. he was walking through the festival, searching for the girl, who had suddenly vanished into the crowd. his steps halted when he caught a soft voice, singing—a voice so familiar, like an echo from the past.

at the edge of the pier, he saw the girl sitting alone, staring out at the sea, softly singing a gentle song:

"love, can we meet again soon in the bluest of skies"

the voice, light and familiar, struck zhongli’s heart like waves crashing against a cliff. his chest ached, every breath heavy, and his heart pulled irresistibly. without hesitation, he began to walk toward her, his steps slow but certain, drawn by the sound and the tug of memories he had never realized were still alive within him. that night, beneath the dancing lantern lights, he moved toward the girl, letting himself be carried by the familiar song, even as the pain and grief that lingered in his heart cut sharply.