Midday saw Feng Yi indulge in a feast at Wanmin Restaurant, then pack several desserts to deliver to the Jade Chamber via the Traveler's method.
He hadn't forgotten that today was the appointed day with Ningguang. Though he didn't know why she sought him out, upholding his promises was his code of conduct.
Feng Yi recalled Ningguang's words as she left his study in the Sea Grotto Pavilion last time, inviting him to her for dessert at the Jade Chamber.
However, using only desserts as a gift for a visit felt a tad too whimsical.
Therefore, with a pang of regret, Feng Yi took out a small pinch of Qingyu Tea and placed it in the gift box.
The maid who greeted Feng Yi was still Baishi, who was somewhat surprised by his early arrival.
"Mr. Feng Yi, you've come rather early. Lady Ningguang has just finished her work and is currently in the hot spring room bathing. If you are in a hurry, I can inform Lady Ningguang!"
Baishi led Feng Yi to the reception room, offered him pastries and tea, and apologized.
Ningguang had just finished her work and was relaxing in the hot springs. Disrupting her mood might displease her.
But if he were to wait, Feng Yi had no idea how long it would take. A woman's bathing time was always an enigma.
"The sweets I brought are best eaten warm. They might lose their texture if they get cold!"
Feng Yi inwardly praised his own cleverness. He wasn't intentionally rushing Ningguang out of her bath; it was for the sake of the dessert's flavor!
"Mr. Feng Yi, please wait a moment. I will go and inform Lady Ningguang!"
Baishi pondered for a moment before excusing herself and leaving.
Feng Yi, holding his teacup, began to wander around the reception room of the Jade Chamber.
He had to admit, Ningguang's taste was impeccable. The ancient and elegant architectural style of the Jade Chamber truly appealed to Feng Yi's heart, and even the reception room was decorated to perfection, with carved beams, painted rafters, and flying pavilions!
It was only when he thought that in three years, the Jade Chamber would be destroyed in the battle against Osial, that Feng Yi felt a sense of pity.
If, within these three years, Feng Yi's control over his River God divinity could achieve a breakthrough, allowing him to choose dropped items at will, and the domain of the River God was vast enough to accommodate the falling Jade Chamber, Feng Yi might attempt a rescue.
He could already imagine it: Feng Yi floating in the sky, supporting the three floating Jade Chambers – one gold, one silver, and one in ruins – and smiling as he asked Ningguang.
"Young Ningguang, did you drop this golden Jade Chamber, or this silver Jade Chamber, or this Jade Chamber that has already turned to ruins?!"
If Osial wasn't crushed by the Jade Chamber, Feng Yi could also question Osial.
"Young Osial, what do you wish to be crushed by next? This golden Jade Chamber, or this silver Jade Chamber, or this shattered Jade Chamber?!"
Just the thought sent a thrill through Feng Yi.
"Ahem, Mr. Feng Yi, Lady Ningguang said that if you are willing, you are welcome to join her in the hot springs to relax..."
Baishi returned to the reception room and, seeing Feng Yi chuckling foolishly at the ceiling beams, cleared her throat to get his attention.
"Join her? With Ningguang?"
Feng Yi: "This is a good thing?!"
If only she had said so sooner! If only she had said so, he would have brought his diving gear!
"Hmm? Don't misunderstand. All hot spring rooms are private cubicles and will not disturb anyone else..."
Baishi: "You're daydreaming, you fool! You think such a good opportunity would be yours? I wish I could bathe with Lady Ningguang too!"
Baishi shot Feng Yi a glare, always suspecting this fellow had ulterior motives regarding Lady Ningguang, lusting after her body!
This would not do. Lady Ningguang's body belonged to her!
"Is that so! My apologies, I misunderstood. It wouldn't be bad to relax in a hot spring if I have nothing else to do! Where is the hot spring room?"
Feng Yi realized he had misread the situation and offered an apology. Instead of sitting here waiting for Ningguang to finish her bath, he might as well take this opportunity to relax.
The continent of Teyvat was not like his previous life, where bathing in hot springs wasn't so readily available.
Only a wealthy woman like Ningguang, in the prime real estate of the Jade Chamber, could afford such luxury as constructing private hot spring suites.
Feng Yi truly envied her and planned to build one just like it in the Serenitea Pot when he returned.
"If that is the case, then Mr. Feng Yi, please follow me!"
Baishi picked up the desserts Feng Yi had brought and led the way.
This time, there was no need for Baishi to explain. Feng Yi could already guess Ningguang's intention: she planned to eat dessert while bathing.
This way, there would be no worry about the desserts getting cold. How clever.
Once upon a time, Feng Yi had also entertained the thought of bathing and snacking simultaneously, but for various reasons, he had always given up.
If the conditions had allowed, he really would have liked to bathe and snack with Ningguang.
The hot spring rooms were located on the lowest level of the Jade Chamber, facilitating water circulation.
Feng Yi had reviewed the array knowledge scrolls gifted to him by Cloud Retainer and Streetfarer during the past two days. From a professional standpoint, the construction of the Jade Chamber's hot spring rooms showed traces of arrays.
Feng Yi could identify the circulation and heating arrays.
As for the remaining arrays, his skill was insufficient to discern them.
Thinking about it, Ningguang's attainments in arrays were truly formidable.
"This is your room, Mr. Feng Yi. A friendly reminder: please do not visit other rooms without permission!"
Baishi pointed to the room ahead and then walked towards the room next to it.
Baishi's reminder was unnecessary. By pointing it out, she had inadvertently informed Feng Yi that Ningguang's bathing chamber was right next door!
Fortunately, Feng Yi was a gentleman and would not do anything out of line.
Feng Yi entered his room, disrobed, and sank into the hot spring pool in the center.
He took a casual glance; the floor was paved with warm, smooth jade, and so was the pool itself.
How much Mora would this cost?
If it weren't for the sake of his reputation, Feng Yi would have liked to pry a few pieces off and take them back.
Splash!
As the water flowed gently, Feng Yi realized that his hot spring pool was not enclosed!
That's right!
Feng Yi suddenly remembered that the hot springs here were not from natural springs but were the result of arrays.
The circulation array would activate the water flow, preventing it from becoming stagnant and thus allowing for continuous reuse.
Feng Yi sensed the direction of the water flow and, indeed, discovered water inlets and outlets beneath the wall. The water he was bathing in was flowing from the room next door!
Immediately, Feng Yi realized that the person bathing next door was none other than Ningguang!
This meant he was indirectly sharing a hot spring with Ningguang!
Although he was bathing in someone else's bathwater, Feng Yi didn't mind. He even felt like singing a few lines.
Leaning against the edge of the jade-carved pool, Feng Yi closed his eyes, quietly savoring the moment of peace and tranquility.
The杂念 (miscellaneous thoughts) in his mind flowed away with the pool water...
The long-sought enlightenment that Feng Yi had been yearning for was realized at this very moment.
A flash of inspiration struck him, and Feng Yi suddenly stood up. He felt it!