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As Zhongli, consultant of the Wang Shang funeral parlor, was enjoying an opera by Yunjin. Clapping signified the opera's closing. Though zhongli felt something different in his pocket that was formerly empty. As his curiosity grew he pulled out what looked like a letter. As soon he opened it a blinding light filled his vision.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Loufu~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With a move of a piece on a digital Chinese chess board. A man with luscious white locks won against his disciple. Whom the winner clearly feels some familia feeling for. Though he took stock of his surroundings. After a warm good game to his pseudo-son. He combed through his locks until his hands drew what he felt wasn't there before his chess game. With an insatiable curiosity he opened the letter. Only for light as bright as the sun to fill his eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~Astral Express~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the dazed men's eyes opened to a parlor car. They looked around curiously. Only Jing Yuan had a glimmer of familiarity with the train. While zhongli looked out of his depth due to the new environment. As a brunette in dapper glasses entered, obviously being pushed in by an unknown force. Though Welt and Jing Yuan's eyes met with some hint of familiarity with each other. "I'm guessing we are supposed to introduce ourselves even if some of us know each other." Welt calmly declared. After short introductions were made. "Why am I here? I've made no contact with this strange place. And what the heck is this place? It's something I haven't ever seen before." Zhongli rambled. "Welcome to the Astral Express, the train that travels from universe to universe all across the stars. My confused friend." Welt answered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~Short while after~~~~~~~~~~
As some soothing music from the phonograph continued to fill the parlor car. With some tea provided by the best conductor Pom Pom. As everyone of them settled down. Stories filled the time as time flew by. With fast newfound friendships formed. Jing Yuan, Welt, and Zhongli talked about the stuff of their worlds. Then they got on the topic of family. "I have apparently as she calls herself. To be fair she often smells like trash. My trash panda granddaughter, my icy bright granddaughter, and my silent but deadly grandson. Though all of them are basically pseudo grandchildren." Ohhs were said. "I have a pseudo son as well who loves swordplay. And he is getting better and better at chess. Though I fear that if I'm mara struck that he won't have the strength enough to defeat me." "Why" "Mara struck is basically like the equivalent of erosion in Tevyat." A short silence filled the air with only music and the lil patter of Pom Pom sweeping. "I have a pseudo son as well though I wish to help him with his karmic debt. Though Lumine is helping him get out of his shell and healing his heart. Obviously if they were to marry they have my blessing."
~~~~~~~~~~~~A short while later~~~~~~~~~~
After they've exhausted every conversation between themselves. They enjoyed each other's company in comfortable silence. As a shooting star brightened up the stars around the Astral Express. Jing Yuan and zhongli disappeared with the only evidence that they were even there was the tea cups. Though their paths crossed for a moment in time. Their friendship and knowledge will stay with them. May their journeys go ever starward.