Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

Qiqi was a child who feared loneliness. She often blamed herself for everything and was easily hurt.

Even when she got hurt, she wouldn't cry out in pain—she would just curl up by herself and quietly lick her wounds.

It was like falling off a cliff without making a sound.

Just like when Elliot distanced himself from her—she blamed herself for being too cold and stood alone under the scorching sun doing stretches.

She was incredibly sensible—so much so that it was heartbreaking.

Elliot was deeply worried about Qiqi, but he knew his time was limited.

That's why...

He had spent half a year preparing for this day.

It wasn't because he could foresee the exact timing, but ever since he adopted the little sparrow, he'd been getting ready.

He knew he couldn't stay by Qiqi's side forever, so he did everything he could to prepare.

If he had a year, maybe he would've sent the sachets to Mondstadt.

But with only half a year, the ones he made were just enough for Liyue.

"Eat something—you look exhausted."

As Elliot rested, a sudden voice behind him startled him.

He turned around to see Xiangling holding a steaming box of rice and a bottle of water.

"Xiangling, you..."

"I know everything already. Come on, eat up. You haven't had anything all day. Eat first, we'll talk later."

She handed him the food.

Elliot blinked, then gave a soft smile and accepted it.

He immediately began devouring the meal, eating so fast he started choking and had to pound his chest.

"Slow down! No one's stealing it from you," Xiangling said, patting his back as she opened the bottle and handed it over.

He took it and gulped it down in one go, finally letting out a satisfied breath.

"First dibs," he said happily.

"Swallow before you talk."

Gulp...

After he swallowed, Elliot grinned. "It's delicious."

"If you like it, eat more. Wanmin Restaurant is still open. Whatever you want, I'll make it."

Seeing him in that state, Xiangling's heart ached.

"Then—!"

Just as Elliot raised his hand to say something, he suddenly paused and set his chopsticks down.

"No, it's fine. I'm full. I should head back… I'm worried—"

"I know, I know. You're worried about Qiqi. I get it. Here, take these."

Before he could finish, Xiangling handed him two large boxes of coconut milk.

As he took them, she stacked three packed meal boxes on top.

"Xiangling, I—"

"Go on now, it's so late already. I need to get to bed, and so do you. Don't forget to eat before sleeping."

Yawning, she turned and walked away, not giving him any room to speak.

Watching her retreating figure, Elliot gave a soft smile. "Thank you, Xiangling."

He turned to leave, arms full.

"Qiqi is really lucky..."

Only then did Xiangling glance back, mumbling to herself.

A crystal-clear tear rolled down her cheek...

...

"Qiqi, I'm back!" Elliot called cheerfully.

Bang!

The door burst open, and Qiqi came running, throwing her arms around his leg.

"Qiqi... missed you..."

"There, there. I missed you too. Look what I brought."

Qiqi looked up to see two large boxes of coconut milk, her eyes instantly sparkling.

"Coconut milk... it's coconut milk... Qiqi loves coconut milk..."

Elliot set the boxes down, opened one, and handed her a bottle.

"Mmm... so good..."

"If it's good, drink as much as you want."

He smiled gently and opened the three boxes Xiangling had packed.

Grilled Hilichurl Fish, Sticky Rice with Marrow Meat, and a box of rice.

These were the first dishes they ever ordered at Wanmin Restaurant—new creations by Xiangling at the time.

After Elliot praised them, Xiangling officially added them to the menu, and they became popular hits.

Seeing the dishes, Elliot smiled softly.

"Elliot... didn't you eat...?" Qiqi asked, puzzled by the meal boxes.

"I sold all the sachets we made—they loved them. Thanks to you, Qiqi, we were able to gather so many kinds of flowers."

"I got so busy, I forgot to eat. Good thing Xiangling packed these, or I'd be starving tonight."

He chuckled, scratching his head.

"Really...? That's great... but..."

"But... Elliot went hungry to sell sachets... Qiqi will be sad..."

Seeing her like that, Elliot smiled and said, "Don't worry, it won't happen again."

"Mm... promise..."

"Promise."

"Qiqi, what kind of person do you think I am?"

The sudden question startled her. She lowered her head and thought for a bit before answering.

"From the first time we met... you gave me a warm feeling... not like the uncomfortable kind of heat..."

"It was my heart... that felt warm... Thank you... Elliot..."

"I'm really glad... to have met you..."

Qiqi's words were soft and sincere, without a hint of hesitation.

Elliot smiled. "I'm glad I met you too, Qiqi."

"If—just if—one day I'm not here anymore... will you still remember me?"

"Qiqi... won't forget Elliot..."

"I see... thank you, Qiqi. I'm happy."

A gentle smile appeared on his face, and his body began to glow faintly.

In the darkness, he shone like a firefly.

"Elliot... what's happening..." Qiqi panicked, rushing to hug him.

Just then, she remembered his earlier questions, and realization dawned.

Her eyes widened as she held him tightly.

"Don't go... Elliot... don't go... don't leave Qiqi..."

"Qiqi will change... Qiqi will listen to you..."

But her words didn't stop the light. In fact, it only grew brighter.

Until his whole body was enveloped in glowing light.

Soon, soft green lights began to appear throughout the forest.

More and more fireflies lit up the trees.

Far away in Liyue, a man getting up to use the bathroom saw the unusual sight.

"Wife! Come quick, look at this!"

His drowsy wife peered out the window, only to see a dreamlike scene.

The entire forest glowed with countless lights, dazzling under the night sky.

News spread fast in Liyue, and soon, everyone was awake, all gazing toward the glowing forest...