Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

"Of course," Ningguang responded with a proud smile, her tone laced with a playful boast. "The men who've pursued me could form a line from Chihu Rock to Yaoguang Shoal."

Though she spoke confidently, the reality was quite different. Ningguang's romantic experience was, in truth, nonexistent.

From her humble beginnings as a barefoot merchant girl to becoming Liyue's wealthiest woman, her unwavering dedication to her career had left no room for distractions like romance. To her, relationships were a low-return investment in the grand scheme of things. Moreover, none of the countless suitors who vied for her attention had ever truly caught her eye.

Her reputation as a "love guru" was less about personal experience and more about her keen ability to read people and situations, a skill honed through years in business.

Later That Night

Back at Ganyu's residence, the day's "relationship coaching" had consumed much of the time. Despite her busy schedule and her belief that "time is money," Ningguang had spent the better part of the day with Ganyu and Lucas—an investment she only made for someone as significant as Ganyu.

"Well, I've taught you all I can," Ningguang said as she prepared to leave. "Remember, everything must feel natural. Any trace of pretense, and the game's up."

"We'll keep that in mind," Ganyu said with a polite smile. "Thank you for spending so much time with us."

"Think nothing of it," Ningguang replied with a knowing smile. "Compared to the time you've given to Liyue, my contribution is hardly worth mentioning."

Just as Ningguang turned to leave, she paused and glanced back at them, her expression teasing. "Ah, almost forgot. I've got one more 'homework assignment' for you two."

"Homework?" Lucas and Ganyu exchanged puzzled looks.

"Yes, tonight, you should sleep in the same bed," Ningguang said matter-of-factly. "Surely you're not planning to sleep apart when Cloud Retainer arrives, are you?"

Before either of them could respond, Ningguang was already out the door, leaving them staring awkwardly at each other.

"Well… um…" Lucas stammered after a long pause. "This feels… like a bit much, doesn't it?"

To his surprise, Ganyu shook her head. "Ningguang is right. In my letter to Master, I may have… exaggerated. I told her we'd already shared a marital bond. If we sleep apart, she'll undoubtedly see through the lie."

"You really wrote that?" Lucas felt a cold sweat forming on his back. For Cloud Retainer, who saw Ganyu as a cherished daughter, the idea of some "stranger" getting that close would be enough to invoke divine wrath.

"It's fine," Lucas said, trying to reassure both of them. "I'll just sleep on the floor."

"That won't work," Ganyu replied, shaking her head. "You don't understand. Master has the ability to see into this house with ease. If she notices we're sleeping separately, she'll expose us immediately."

Ah, that's right. His "mother-in-law" wasn't just a concerned guardian; she was an actual celestial being.

"If that's the case… I guess we have no choice," Lucas said, scratching his head awkwardly. "Don't worry, I'll stay on my side. I won't cross any lines."

Ganyu covered her mouth with a hand, stifling a small laugh. "You say that, but… considering what we've already done today, is there really a line left to cross?"

"That was… just a moment of impulse!" Lucas quickly explained, his face flushed. "I didn't think you'd actually agree…"

The memory of their earlier encounter in the room flashed through both their minds, and the awkward tension between them deepened.

"I'm not someone who agrees to just anything," Ganyu said, her tone firm. "If anyone else had made such a request, I would've dealt with them accordingly."

The sharp glint in Ganyu's eyes was a reminder of her true nature. Behind her gentle demeanor was a warrior forged in the brutal battles of the Archon War. Anyone foolish enough to mistake her for merely kind-hearted wouldn't live to regret it.

"I didn't mean it that way!" Lucas hastily backtracked, sensing the shift in her demeanor. "I just… feel a bit unworthy, that's all."

Ganyu's expression softened as she realized her harshness. "I don't blame you. Let's consider that… a form of payment for helping me."

Payment?

If her payment was something as exquisite as fresh coconut milk, Lucas couldn't help but think many would gladly pay a fortune for just three minutes of such bliss.

"What are you waiting for?" Ganyu asked, glancing back at him. "Come on, let's get this over with."

"Right" Lucas followed her into the bedroom.

Later That Night

The moon hung high in the sky, its silver light spilling through the windows.

Despite her usual ability to fall asleep instantly due to her workload, Ganyu found herself wide awake. The reason was obvious—the other presence sharing her bed.

The room was so quiet that even their breathing felt amplified. After what felt like an eternity, Ganyu finally broke the silence.

"Are you… asleep?" she whispered.

"No," Lucas replied softly. "I can't sleep either."

"I see…" Ganyu sighed. "Normally, I'd fall asleep as soon as I lay down, but I guess I'm not used to this."

"Same here," Lucas admitted with a wry chuckle. "I guess this isn't how most couples usually share a bed."

"What do normal couples do?" Ganyu asked curiously. "I never really had a chance to learn… not from my parents, nor from Master."

Lucas turned onto his side, propping himself up on an elbow as he gazed down at her. "Do you… want to find out?" he asked, his voice low.

Ganyu froze momentarily, her face flushing a deep red. "Eh… Eh?"

"Come on," Lucas smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you want to know or not?"

"I… I am curious about this kind of thing," Ganyu admitted, biting her lip. "But didn't you say you wouldn't cross the line with me?"

Men's promises… nothing but lies!

"What are you even thinking?" Lucas chuckled. He pulled out a reel of film from seemingly nowhere and held it up. "I meant this."

"A film reel?" Ganyu blinked, momentarily confused. As an official in Yuehai Pavilion, she'd handled plenty of cases involving smuggled films, so she recognized the item immediately.

"That's right," Lucas nodded. "A friend gave it to me. Since we can't sleep, why not watch it to pass the time?"

This "friend" was none other than Liben, the owner of a now-closed private screening parlor in Mondstadt. After getting busted for offering questionable films, Liben had handed over his legitimate collection to Lucas and a few others before shutting down.

The reel Lucas held was The Titanic of Forbidden Love, a film he had previously watched with Jean. For sentimental reasons, he'd decided to keep it.

"I suppose that's fine," Ganyu agreed. "Although I've never actually used the projector at home before…"

Despite her expertise in handling Liyue's affairs, Ganyu was far less comfortable with modern technology.

Soon, soft music filled the room as the projector hummed to life. Ganyu and Lucas lay side by side on the bed, the glow from the screen reflecting in their eyes.

The cozy scene reminded Lucas of his time with Jean, except that after their film viewing, the two of them had… "analyzed" the story in quite some detail.

For Ganyu, however, this was her first experience with a film. Her busy schedule had never allowed for such leisure, and it wasn't long before the plot drew her in completely.

Having already seen the movie, Lucas leaned back slightly, taking the opportunity to admire Ganyu's stunning profile.

A poem he'd read once said: "You stand on the bridge and look at the scenery, while those who watch from the tower see you."

Of course, the view wasn't limited to her profile—through the loose neckline of her sleepwear, he occasionally caught glimpses of even more captivating scenery.

Completely unaware that she had become a part of Lucas' personal "movie," Ganyu was thoroughly engrossed. Her expressions ranged from slight frowns to warm smiles, a testament to how deeply the story had captured her.

Though over three thousand years old, she was still, at heart, a girl.

The film transitioned to a passionate scene where the protagonists, madly in love, shared an intimate moment. Ganyu's cheeks turned rosy as she finally understood what Lucas had meant earlier when he asked if she wanted to "know."

Of course, she already knew.

In the dream world, she had long crossed this line. But watching it unfold on screen in vivid reality was a completely different experience. Her embarrassment grew with every passing second.

Films from Fontaine sure are bold…

I'll have to enforce stricter content reviews if we ever import new movies.

Despite her bashfulness, Ganyu couldn't tear her eyes away from the screen. Though brief, the scene felt like an eternity to her.

When the scene ended, the characters lay together in bed, basking in the warmth after the storm. Ganyu couldn't help but think about the parallels between the movie and her current situation. Here she was, sharing a bed with Lucas…

Her thoughts spiraled, and before she knew it, she turned her head slightly. She found Lucas staring directly at her.

Her face grew even hotter. "What are you looking at me for?"

"Well, because…" Lucas grinned. "You're prettier than the movie."

Ganyu was taken aback. "I…" She stammered, struggling to respond.

Lucas leaned in slightly, his tone playful. "So, did you learn something?"

"I…" Ganyu hesitated, her face practically glowing with embarrassment. After a moment, she muttered, "What can you learn from just watching? Practice is the only way to truly understand."

Did she… just suggest what I think she did?

Lucas' experience with the simulator had long sharpened his ability to read people. Seeing Ganyu's flushed cheeks and her averted gaze, he knew this was his opportunity.

But he hesitated.

This was Ganyu—what if she was testing him?

If he misread her intentions, he'd be lucky to escape with his life. Ganyu, after all, wielded the power of a demi-god.

Yet before he could reason himself out of it, the Ring of Manipulation on his wrist pulsed with a seductive glow. His rational thoughts faded, and he instinctively reached out, gently tracing his fingers along Ganyu's cheek, moving slowly downward.

Ganyu trembled slightly but didn't push him away.

Soft music from the film played in the background, deepening the already charged atmosphere.

Just as the moment reached its peak, a faint thud came from outside the window.

The noise was barely audible, something most wouldn't notice. But Lucas and Ganyu weren't ordinary people—they immediately turned their attention toward the window.

"Who's there?" Ganyu's voice rang out, clear and commanding.

A shadow flitted past, attempting to flee.

"Stop right there!" Without hesitation, Ganyu grabbed a robe, threw it over herself, and leapt through the window in pursuit.

Her residence was surrounded by protective wards that activated at night to prevent intrusions. Whoever had slipped through them was no ordinary individual, and Ganyu knew it.

The shadow darted away at incredible speed, already a dozen meters ahead in the blink of an eye. Ganyu paused, summoning her bow. She nocked an ice arrow and fired it with unerring accuracy toward the figure's back.

But just as the arrow was about to strike, a hand reached out and caught it in mid-air.

"Lucas?!" Ganyu exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.

It was indeed Lucas who had intercepted the arrow.

Though Ganyu hadn't used her full strength—intending only to capture, not kill—the arrow was still formidable. That Lucas had caught it bare-handed was shocking enough, but what surprised her even more was how he had managed to get ahead of her.

"Lucas!" Ganyu's voice carried a mix of confusion and reproach. "What are you doing?"