Chapter Text
Xiao knew he wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer. The dark circles under his eyes, near-empty fridge, and the sheer amount of papers and books scattered around the room proved that. Everything had been going so well, how did it end up like this? Xiao let out a long sigh, grabbing a pillow off his couch and hugging it close to him. He slid down the wall he had been leaning on and tucked in his knees.
The feeling of wind, the sweet delicate aroma of qingxin in the air, Granny Ping’s voice. That was home, it was where he belonged. Not here in the harbor, trapped with no way out. Now the only person that ever mattered and cared for him was gone. And so was his financial support. At this rate, in another month, there would be nothing left of him.
A roommate. That would solve a lot of his issues. Half the rent paid, and someone to help with chores. As much as Xiao hated sharing his space with someone, it was pretty much his only remaining option. Throwing the pillow back on the couch, Xiao got up off his floor and grabbed his laptop, posting a quick advertisement on the university forums.
The end of the day came quickly, and Xiao’s apartment now looked significantly better than it had before. Granted, having more time to clean would’ve been nice, but he wasn’t about to fail classes for a slightly cleaner environment. Now all he had to do was wait for someone interested.
---
Great. Venti had just gotten kicked out of his third university. It wasn’t HIS fault that sometimes he gets a little unhinged. That third university just happened to be the last in his city. Mondstadt was the city of freedom. Yet, Venti had managed to take those words and stretch them a little too far.
Venti loved Mondstadt but he had used all the chances it gave, now with no more options, he would have to bid the city goodbye. He had to do something with his track record as well. No university would accept him with one like this. Venti grinned, he knew just what to do.
---
Zhongli stared down at Venti whose feet were swung over his 20 million mora couch. Zhongli’s eyes narrowed.
“You want me to convince the head of the University of Liyue Harbor to let you enroll there, despite the fact you have been expelled from all of the universities in Mondstadt.”
“Well I mean you didn’t have to phrase it THAT way, but essentially yes.”
“Fine.”
“Wait, what really?”
“Under some conditions.”
“Sure, ok.” Venti agreed.
“One, you cannot be expelled from this school. If you’re expelled my reputation would be ruined. Honestly, I don’t understand why I’m even helping you.”
Venti gave him a dismissive wave. “Anything else?”
“Two, there is a boy named Xiao studying at the Harbor’s university. You are not allowed to speak with him.”
Venti tilted his head. “Why not?”
“Understand?”
“But why?”
“If you don’t want me to help then-”
Venti frantically waved his arms. “Okay okay! I got it, I got it!”
“Good, now get your dirty shoes off my couch.”
“I just washed these yesterday!”
“Evidently, you did not do a very good job.” Zhongli deadpanned.
Venti swung his legs off the couch, rolling his eyes. “Personally, I think I am a fantastic shoe cleaner. Your expectations are just too high.”
“Venti, there is clearly a streak of dirt on your shoe.”
“That’s clearly part of the shoe!”
Zhongli gave him a skeptical look. “Uh huh. Very convincing. Now it would be very convenient if you could leave, I have someone coming over soon.”
“OooHHh, I bet your sugar daddy bOooyyYfrieEEnd is coming over isnnnn’tt heeeeEEee?”
“Please get out of my house.”
Zhongli released a long sigh as Venti ran out of the house giggling.
---
One boy to avoid out of thousands of students in exchange for a free pass into a highly prestigious school? This was the best deal Venti has ever made. Venti knew he was getting ahead of himself, but he couldn’t contain his excitement. Another school to mess around in!
It was likely that Zhongli would take a day or 2 to get back to him, which Venti decided was an adequate amount of time to prepare for his new school life. Liyue Harbor University was decently far away from his home in Mondstadt, and commuting 10 hours every day did not seem very logical. Venti let out an audible sigh. He would have to move.
HeY vEntI pIcK uP thIs cALL aHAhahAHAhahH! Venti’s obnoxious ringtone blared out from his phone’s speakers, interrupting the owner’s thought process, who scrambled to pick up.
“Hello? Is this Venti?”
“Zhongli?”
“Ah hello, I have successfully gotten you enrolled at the Harbor University.”
“WHAT. It's been 10 minutes!” Venti exclaimed.
Zhongli’s voice remained stoic. “Yes, I will now email the necessary information to you.” The click clack of a keyboard was heard on Zhongli’s side. “Oh dear, It seems I have forgotten my password again.”
“Eh, you’ll figure it out. Well, good luck! Thanks!”
“Of course. As long as you follow our contract.”
“Yes daddddd.”
“I am not your father.”
“It was jooookeee, anyway byeEEEEeeEEEe!!”
Venti hung up. He would never understand how Zhongli was able to smooth talk anyone to do anything. Venti rolled his eyes, putting away his phone as a taxi screeched to a stop in front of him.
“Where to?”
“In front of the main Mondstadt gates would be great,” Venti told the driver. Looking around, the inside of the taxi was decorated with glow-in-the-dark stars.
The ride to Mondstadt was a long one, and Venti couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that the driver was watching him. Finally, as they were nearing Mondstadt the driver spoke up.
“Venti huh?”
“What?”
“You’re going to have a life-changing moment soon, I can feel it.”
“Wait what? How do you know my name?”
“Just a guess.”
“Who are you?” Venti questioned, eyes narrowing.
“Mona Megistus, now pay me and get out, we’re here.”
Venti complied, dropping the money into Mona’s hand before leaving the taxi. For some reason, she hadn’t driven off yet, opting to stare at the mora in her hands with wide eyes and a spreading grin. Deciding that she was probably just insane, Venti made his way back home.