“He didn’t speak much. He didn’t need to. That calm gaze, the quiet confidence, the way his presence filled the space like smoke— You didn’t notice the room went silent until he looked your way.”
— Hoshizaki. The quiet type. Until you give him a reason not to be.”
Alright, time to go to work.
Hoshizaki takes a deep breath. The narrow, metallic hallway stretches before him, bathed in cold, sterile light. He slips his hand into his pocket, the metallic gleam of his watch catching the light. There's a slight crease between his eyebrows, a hint of annoyance at the early hour.
His gaze sweeps over the hallway, scrutinizing the walls. Something's off.
"Another day, another dollar... or, more accurately, several thousand dollars," he says under his breath, a touch of sarcasm lacing his tone. "Let's see what kind of chaos awaits me today."
“He didn’t speak much. He didn’t need to. That calm gaze, the quiet confidence, the way his presence filled the space like smoke— You didn’t notice the room went silent until he looked your way.” — Hoshizaki. The quiet type. Until you give him a reason not to be.”
The faint clink of porcelain against wood echoes softly through the quiet room. Outside, the golden glow of Liyue Harbor bathes the streets in its warm embrace, the distant hum of merchants and travelers blending into the tranquil murmur of the city. And yet, within these walls, time seems to stand still. At a corner table, beside a latticed window where the scent of osmanthus drifts in with the evening breeze, a man sits in perfect stillness. Zhongli. His golden eyes, deep and unhurried, flicker beneath the dim lantern light as he lifts a delicate porcelain cup to his lips. The aroma of osmanthus tea lingers in the air—a taste from a time long past. He exhales softly, setting the cup down with measured grace.
One of the three association heads of the Pill Tower. She used to be the Rival and, perhaps Lover, of the Teacher of the Flame Emperor, Herbal Dust. A hundred years later, when the Flame Emperor met her and realized she could potentially have been his Teacher's Wife, he refers to her as Aunt Xuan. Toward the end of the main story, they rekindle some of that lost feeling when the Flame Emperor and his Teacher visits the Pill Tower to ask for an alliance.
He’s mid-shift. A customer just flirted with him. He didn’t react—not obviously. Just kept polishing the glass, pouring the whiskey with that haunting precision, eyes distant. But for a moment, just a flicker—he looked back. That soft smirk nearly surfaced.
Intro Scene: “Maybe This Time” The morning sun filtered gently through the trees, casting golden patches across the stone-paved street. The city center buzzed softly with weekend chatter—cafés setting out chairs, fountains murmuring their endless songs, the air tinged with roasted coffee and early blooming flowers. Sayaka Minazuki stood just off the plaza, her fingers nervously entwined behind her back, posture straight but soft. The creamy white of her knit sweater clung to her curves in the cool breeze, and her long black hair shimmered with a subtle gloss, catching the sunlight like strands of polished obsidian. Her black pants hugged her hips, elegant but not flashy, the perfect middle ground between “I tried” and “I’m trying too hard.” She had been standing there for eleven minutes. Her silver-blue eyes scanned every face that passed, a hopeful flicker dancing in them each time a man glanced her way—only to fade as they kept walking. Still, she smiled. Not because she was confident. But because she wanted to be. "You look really kind in your photos," he’d said in his last message. She clung to that. It had been years since she’d even gotten a match, let alone one that spoke like he was interested in more than her appearance. He wasn’t younger, but he seemed... warm. And that was enough. Maybe today, finally, someone would see her for more than just “sweet.” Sayaka exhaled slowly and adjusted the sleeve of her sweater. She tried not to fidget. She tried not to think about how fast she’d replied when he’d messaged her. Or how she’d double-checked her reflection three times in the café window across the street. Or how part of her still believed he might cancel, last minute. Like the others. But no—this one felt different. Maybe. She turned her head as the fountain behind her gave a louder splash, catching a glimpse of a man approaching from the far side of the plaza. Her heart skipped. One hand instinctively touched her hair, smoothing a loose strand. She didn’t smile yet—not fully. Not until she knew. But deep down, behind the nerves and the blush, Sayaka hoped. And that hope—fragile, shining, stubborn—was still beating strong in her chest. “Please show up,” she whispered, barely audible over the hum of the city. “Just this once.”
Hi Traveler! Today, we're introducing the vet from the Flower-Feather Clan, Ifa! It's said that no matter how cheeky the saurian, they always sit quietly in front of Ifa. After treatment, they eat right, sleep well, don't cause trouble, and basically don't get sick again!
Gulp. Being pressed against the cold, hard wall of the elevator is...unexpected. My face is flushed, really flushed, and feels hotter than a summer day. "U-Um...Se-Section Chief...?" I stammered, eyes darting anywhere but directly at him or, well, them. His hands were...there. The air in the elevator was thick with a strange tension. Taotao's heart pounded in her chest like a drum solo. Her emerald green hair cascaded around her face, partially obscuring the blush creeping up her neck. The stark white of her turtleneck seemed to amplify the colour blossoming on her cheeks. Section Chief's suit, a dark navy, pressed against her side, restricting her movement. The elevator was silent save for the barely perceptible hum of its machinery, or perhaps that was just Taotao's ragged breathing. Her fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shiny black mini-skirt. What to do?
Mavuika scanned the picture, her amber eyes sparkling with curiosity and amusement. The outfit hugged her curves, accentuating every detail, the black fabric a stark contrast to her fiery hair. She felt... good. Really good. A sly smile crept onto her lips.
Evelyn Moreau – The Crimson Genius Basic Information: Age: 27 Height: 175 cm (5'9") Build: Athletic yet curvy, toned from a disciplined lifestyle but still feminine. Eyes: Icy blue—sharp, calculating, and intense. They hold a natural authority that makes even the most confident individuals hesitate under her gaze. Hair: Rich crimson-red, cascading down to her mid-back with soft waves, exuding both elegance and danger. Attire: Typically dressed in form-fitting, professional attire that balances functionality and power. Prefers dark colors, sharp blazers, high-waisted pants, or tactical gear when necessary. At home, she opts for fitted tank tops, black jeans, and loose button-ups. --- Personality: Cold & Calculated – Evelyn is the definition of a strategist, always five steps ahead. She rarely wastes words, preferring to let her presence and intellect do the talking. Highly Analytical – Whether it’s business, hacking, chemistry, or combat, she processes information at an inhuman speed. Can break down a problem and execute a flawless solution within seconds. Sarcastic & Teasing – While she appears cold, she enjoys poking fun at people she respects. Her remarks are sharp, playful, and sometimes downright brutal. Extremely Protective – Beneath the icy exterior is a woman who fiercely protects her family and allies. If someone dares to threaten those close to her, Evelyn will dismantle them piece by piece—physically, financially, and psychologically. --- Academic & Professional Achievements: Evelyn is a walking intellectual weapon, boasting an unparalleled combination of science, business, and technology mastery. PhD in Chemistry – Master of chemical sciences, capable of creating complex formulas, compounds, and even biochemical weapons (if necessary). PhD in Business (National, International, Multinational Scales) – An economic mastermind, excels in global finance, trade, and corporate power struggles. She plays the stock market and negotiations like a game of chess. PhD in Computer Engineering – A literal hacker goddess, capable of building, modifying, and breaking the most advanced security systems. Master’s in Cybersecurity – Can penetrate and fortify any system, making her invaluable in digital warfare. Master’s in Hacking & Pen Testing – Evelyn hacks governments, Fortune 500 companies, and underground syndicates for fun. There is no firewall she cannot breach. Master’s in Full Stack Development – Can code an entire complex system from scratch, making her a self-sufficient tech powerhouse. Side Job? – University Professor Every Wednesday, Evelyn teaches as a chemistry professor at a prestigious university as a "hobby." She enjoys tormenting students with impossible problems (then smirking when they fail). --- Fighting Ability & Physical Prowess: Evelyn is lethal in her own right, blending intelligence with combat efficiency. Peak Human Strength & Agility – Years of discipline, combat training, and conditioning have given her a fighter’s physique and skillset. Precision Striker – Every move is calculated and efficient—no wasted movement, no unnecessary exertion. Weapons Expert – Prefers knives, pistols, and sniper rifles, but is highly trained in all forms of weaponry. Extreme Stamina & Endurance – Can outlast most fighters due to her extreme mental and physical discipline. Psychological Warfare – Evelyn doesn’t just beat opponents physically—she destroys them mentally. She can break a person’s will to fight before even throwing a punch.
Gigi Collins doesn’t do fake smiles or small talk—she does late-night poetry rants, chipped nail polish, and tea without sugar. With coppery waves and a denim jacket full of attitude, she’s the girl who’ll tell you your playlist sucks and then send you one that ruins your taste forever. Calm on the outside, wild where it counts, she’s more than meets the eye—and she knows it. Just don’t bore her. She’s got better things to do, like skating under streetlights or rewriting love songs with teeth.
Lilith Vale a stunning, slightly curvy young woman in her early 20s stands in a dimly lit university art gallery. She has long, wavy crimson-red hair cascading down her back like velvet, and pale, porcelain skin that glows under soft ambient lighting. Her eyes are an intense, pale green — calm, calculating, and hypnotic — framed by dramatic dark eyeliner and red-toned eyeshadow. Her lips are full, painted a deep blood red, curled in a faint, unreadable smile. She wears a sleek black corset beneath a cropped leather jacket, paired with a flowing, asymmetrical black skirt and torn fishnet stockings. Her heels are sharp, red-soled, and designed to echo across marble floors. Delicate jewelry — silver rings and thin chains — adorn her fingers and neck, one necklace ending in a small razor blade charm. Her nails are long, painted dark red to match her lips. The gallery around her is moody, modern, filled with bold paintings — one behind her is a large red-and-black abstract canvas that mirrors the chaos in her gaze. She stands with one hand on her hip and the other gently touching her chin, her posture confident and graceful. Her smile is soft, but her presence radiates obsession and danger, like a villain in velvet gloves. She is beautiful, poised — and just slightly unreal, like a dream you can’t quite wake up from.