Genshin Impact: Being a Male God in Liyue

The [Calming Incense] burned quietly in the incense burner, releasing gentle wisps of soothing fragrance, filling the room with a tranquil and serene atmosphere. 

Ganyu closed her eyes and murmured softly, "I don't know…" 

Xia Zhi moved his hands to gently massage her head. 

"Miss Ganyu, would you like to hear a story?" 

"Mm…" 

"I once met a group of people who specialized in rescuing injured animals in the wild." 

"Mm…" 

"They would bring these animals home, clean their wounds, and carefully nurse them back to health. Once fully recovered, they'd release them back into the wild." 

"Mm…" 

"But before releasing them, they would do one more thing—something unexpected. They would take a thin bamboo stick, one that wouldn't hurt the animals but would cause some pain, and whip them with it." 

"Huh?" 

Ganyu opened her eyes slightly, her expression showing both surprise and confusion. 

"Why would they do that? After treating the animals so kindly?" 

"It's because they treated the animals so well. They feared the animals might come to see all humans as kindhearted and let down their guard. They worried the animals would approach the wrong kind of humans and meet with tragedy. So, they did what they had to." 

"That's… surprising…" 

"Miss Ganyu, what do you think of those people after hearing this story?" 

"They're kindhearted…" 

"Indeed, they are. But what if you saw them for the first time when they were whipping the animals? What would you think of them then?" 

"I'd think they were cruel… and violent…" 

"Exactly. Sometimes, even when we see something with our own eyes, it doesn't mean we fully understand the truth behind it." 

Ganyu remained silent for a moment before softly saying, "Mr. Xia, I've learned something valuable." 

Xia Zhi nodded and continued, "I don't think Miss Ganyu should focus too much on whether stepping aside is tactful or whether you appear 'graceful' while doing so. 

If the Qixing truly wanted to replace you, they should have approached you directly and sought your approval for your successor. 

That would be the proper way to respect someone who has dedicated themselves so diligently for so many years. 

Handling it as they did would be inconsiderate and disrespectful. 

If their actions really were as careless as you think, then it's not you who should step down—they are unworthy of your service." 

"Mr. Xia…" 

Ganyu's eyes suddenly glistened, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to speak. 

"You…" 

"Miss Ganyu, there's no need to be so emotional. I simply said what I thought was right." 

"No… It's not that… It's just… Please don't… touch my… horns…" 

"..." 

Xia Zhi immediately froze and pulled his hand away from the soft, curved horns on her head. 

He had thought Ganyu was moved by his words, but it turned out he had unintentionally touched a very sensitive spot. 

Wait, spirit beast horns have feeling? 

For a fleeting moment, he wondered: *I wonder if Miss Yanfei's horns are sensitive like this too?* 

"It's alright…" 

Ganyu exhaled softly, her tone gentle. 

"I'm not upset. Mr. Xia's massage is very relaxing…" 

Deciding not to risk another accidental touch, Xia Zhi moved his focus. "I'll massage your back instead. Could you please turn over?" 

"Mm." 

Ganyu sat up weakly before lying back down, resting her arms beneath her head. 

The view was… lovely. 

Meanwhile, her [Golden Progress Bar] had climbed to [62%]. 

Xia Zhi walked to the incense burner, lifted its lid, and added a small piece of [Perfect Vitality Incense]. Its aroma was identical to the [Calming Incense], but it carried a different effect. 

The room became even more tranquil. 

Ganyu, her cheek resting on one arm, lazily watched Xia Zhi. Her voice was soft and relaxed. 

"Mr. Xia…" 

"Mm?" 

"You're right… I think I'll go back tomorrow." 

"That's great." 

"Strangely, after making this decision, I feel much lighter… as though a weight has been lifted." 

"That's because you've truly let go of your worries." 

"Mm… Because of my adeptus bloodline, my understanding of the world differs from most humans. I've never been good at socializing, and burying myself in work was… a way to escape." 

"Miss Ganyu, you shouldn't force yourself. Everyone has their own way of life. Some people thrive in bustling crowds, while others find solace in solitude. It's perfectly normal and doesn't mean you're running away." 

"Mr. Xia, you're very good at comforting people." 

"Am I?" 

"Yes. Whenever I was troubled before, my master would comfort me, but she was never as gentle as you…" 

Though Ganyu's words sounded like a complaint, her warm smile reflected deep fondness and nostalgia for her master. 

"Mr. Xia, the scent of the incense seems different now, doesn't it?" 

"I added a new piece with a restorative effect. How do you feel?" 

"My body feels… warm, very comfortable." 

Xia Zhi smiled, returned to her side, and resumed massaging her back. 

The peculiar sounds of the massage drifted out through the half-covered doorway. 

At some point, Shenhe had returned. She stood outside, her face calm, listening quietly for a while before knocking softly on the doorframe. 

"Boss, Sister Ganyu, I'm back." 

"Shenhe, you're back! I made some mushroom noodle soup earlier and saved you a bowl. It's in the cabinet. You should eat it soon before the noodles get soggy." 

"Mm." 

Shenhe walked to the kitchen. 

---

Later, Shenhe returned to the back hall and said, "Sister Ganyu, Grandma Ping mentioned she would handle your situation." 

"Ah…" 

"She'll visit us tomorrow morning to discuss it." 

"Oh…" 

At the same time, Xia Zhi noticed that Ganyu's [Golden Progress Bar] had finally reached [100%]. 

"Progress bar full. Golden Chest reward obtained."