Chapter Text
Childe was...confident about his situation, to say the least.
He’d transferred to a new school in Liyue, literally over an ocean from his family in Snezhnaya. There was going to be new things, new people, new food...new victims- I mean, friends to torture. Childe grinned as he snapped his textbook shut, going up onto the deck of the ship to get some fresh air.
Liyue’s skyline was impressive from a distance. They had taken to preserving their old buildings, so colourful pagodas pressed up against dingy apartment buildings, and their largest bank, the Golden House was there, looming in the distance. Their harbour was impressive, and he marvelled at the smooth curves of the stone cranes guarding their harbour, colourful ribbons in their beaks.
When he stepped down, into the streets of Liyue, the culture shock was something, to say the least. There were hundreds of food stalls everywhere, every hawker shouting into the hot and humid air. He dodged and weaved, avoiding sizzling oil and hands exchanging money. The smell of food hung in the air, coalescing into a pungent, heady aroma.
The first thing he did was visit the Snezhnayan bank in Liyue, withdrawing some money so that he wasn’t walking around completely penniless. The second thing he did was ask for directions to the university he was studying at. Turns out, it was deeper in the city, and he took a bus to the location. It was at the foot of a mountain, and he checked in with the receptionist, who was a little girl called Qiqi.
“Where are your parents, little one?”
“Qiqi’s guardian is not here now. If you’d like, you may leave a message.”
He had reserved an apartment at the student motel, and it was sparse, with a blue quilt spread over the bed and a desk. His room mate had already filled the living room with books. He snuck a look at some of them as he walked past. History, history, history...wow, they must be a history major, huh?
He strolled the streets of Liyue, looking at all the dishes. It really was a beautiful city, especially with the upcoming Lantern Rite. He knew that was when activity heightened to a fervour, and he was excited just thinking about it.
Childe halted, looking around him. He had walked into an unfamiliar part of Liyue, and no matter how many times he turned, he still couldn’t see any landmarks.
“Fuck...” He looked around for anyone he could ask directions for with his pidgin Liyuan, and saw the edge of a ponytail swishing around a corner. Perfect! “Excuse me, I was wondering if you could-”
Childe ran around the corner, running straight into the person’s chest...which was actually really solid. He looked up, straight into piercing golden eyes.
“Oh- I’m sorry, I was just lost-” Childe rapidly backpedaled.
The person chuckled, and their voice was mellow and warm. “You are lost? Very well, where is your destination?”
Childe spluttered. He never spluttered. “I- well- the University of Liyue?”
The man hummed. “Oh, what a coincidence. I am headed there too.”
Childe fell into easy steps beside the man, and snuck a look at him.
He had feathery brown hair that looked like it was dyed at its tips, giving it an amber coloured look. His hair was up in a ponytail, but there was a lock of hair framing his face, too short to be swept behind. He was wearing a black button up shirt and a pair of dark jeans and black sneakers.
“What’s your name?” Childe blurted out. He had always disliked the silence, and always seeked to fill it with noise. Like back at home, where the silence was like a snowstorm: thick, muffling and cold.
“It is of no concern to you,” He hummed, turning to him. “And you?”
“Childe. I’m uh, Childe.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners, and Childe realised the mystery man had put on some dark red eyeliner, accentuating the shape of his eyes. “Well then, uh-Childe. Shall we retire for dinner? It’s getting late, and I know a place.”
“Oh, uhm. Lead the way, then.”
It was getting dark, and people were lighting the lamps, and stalls were switching on their lights as well. The whole of the street was bathed in a golden glow, and Childe sucked in a breath. It looked beautiful. Apparently, his companion thought so as well.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He wrapped long, bony fingers around Childe’s arm, steering him to a small restaurant.
A girl bounced up to them, smiling sunnily. “Welcome to Wanmin Restaurant! I’m Xiangling, may I get your order?”
He cleared his throat. “I would like the chef’s recommendation today. And, Childe..?”
“I- I’ll have that too.”
“Alright!” Xiangling ran off towards the kitchen, and soon, an absolutely lovely smell wafted out. Childe took the opportunity to look around, gaping at the strange and wonderful architecture.
After a while, Xiangling reappeared, balancing two trays of food. She set it both down, wished them a happy dinner and bustled off to the other diners.
He picked up his pair of chopsticks, picking up a piece of chicken. “Go ahead. You have my word, this food is safe.”
Childe squinted at the chopsticks on the table. He picked them up, his hands wobbling as he brought it to the plate and stabbed a piece of chicken.
He chuckled at that. “No, you don’t use them like that.”
“Yeah? Tell me about it. I hate this stupid chicken.” Childe growled, stabbing his chicken with his chopsticks.
The man smiled. “Xiangling! Could we have a spoon and fork?”
“Right away, sir!”
"Don't worry. I struggled with chopsticks too, when I was younger," he assured Childe. "If you'd like, I could teach you how to use them."
"That'd be nice." Seizing the opportunity, Childe started talking. He talked about Liyue, the architecture, and the food.
Oh god, the food. These people added spice to literally everything. The sauce the chicken was in was literally red with the chili they put in, and the soup had ginger in it. Childe found himself sweating profusely, and absently wondered if he could bring some of these foods home. It certainly would warm him up.
He listened. He was a good listener.
Once they had finished, he had asked Childe to pay, seeing as he had forgotten his wallet. He accompanied Childe onto campus grounds, then to his dorm.
Then it clicked.
"Wait, xiansheng, you're my roommate?"
The man turned around and smiled. "My name is Zhongli, and it is a supreme pleasure to meet you at last, Childe."