PATCH 4.X

♡ Overture of Wandering Notes

It is not known when and under which circumstances exactly this event takes place. A concert is being organized in which Xiao is participating. His role in the orchestra is to play the 笛子 (dízi), a bamboo flute. 

While preparing for the concert, the Notes disappear so Lumine goes on a quest to recover them. She meets Xiao when she passes by Wangshu Inn. Xiao has already caught a Note so he gives it to her. After this Xiao asks Lumine for some advice on playing music because he is not very good at it — or at least that’s what he believes.

Xiao: You look like you might be looking for this? Here, Ganyu and I caught it earlier.

Xiao: But actually... could we ask for a favor? Music isn't my forte, so I was hoping you could give me some tips.

(Overture of Wandering Notes)

Later, it is implied that Lumine wished to spend time with Xiao and go to a concert together. Xiao accepts, but he asks for her advice because he doesn’t have much knowledge in music. He wants to be able to appreciate music the same way Lumine does.

Xiao: You want my company?

Xiao: Sure.

Xiao: I don't know much about music though, so you'll have to help me appreciate it.

(Overture of Wandering Notes)

♡ Waterborne Poetry

Lumine visits Wangshu Inn where she finds Venti and Hu Tao discussing an upcoming poetry gala together. Both of them wish to invite Xiao to join, to participate in something fun and beautiful. 

Initially, Xiao rejects the invitation. Not only is it dangerous to be around so many vulnerable mortals, but he also believes he is not suited to participate in the event when he has little knowledge of poetry. Moreover, Xiao doesn’t want to be amidst crowds of people, and he has trouble interacting with lively, free-spirited folks like Venti and Hu Tao.

Hu Tao encourages Xiao, reminding him that every person starts small and there is a first time for everything. If not, then he could at least watch from a distance. But Lumine is the one who changes Xiao’s mind. If it’s Lumine, he will listen. She is the person who helps him feel at ease. This event is also an opportunity to see her. Venti, who has picked up on all of this by now, takes advantage of it. Lumine is used as the lure to convince Xiao to attend.

Venti: Besides, with the renowned Lumine here, what is there to fear?

Lumine: Join us. It'll be fun.

Xiao: ...

Xiao: I'll consider it.
(Waterborne Poetry)

The next day Xiao does indeed come to watch the poetry gala, albeit from a safe distance on a nearby mountain. He overhears Chongyun speak of an encounter with a mysterious being. Xiao goes on to investigate the matter, and he later approaches the Lumine’s group only to inform them of the situation. 

Xiao attempts to leave, but Lumine is quick to stop him and everyone takes turns to invite him to join on their “inspiration walk” for the poetry event. She wants Xiao to enjoy some fun and company.

Xiao: If there's no other business, I'll be taking my leave now.

Lumine: ...Wait!

Lumine: Come on an inspiration walk with us!

Xiao: ....

Paimon: Yeah, you should come! There's no one else around here anyway, so you don't need to worry.

Xiao: But...

Chongyun: I would also be honored if you joined us, Adeptus Xiao. It is a rare opportunity, and... I have many questions about exorcising evil spirits that I would like to ask you.

Xiao: ...

Xiao: Fine.

(Waterborne Poetry)

Diona’s gift is brought into conversation and Xiao notes that he can sense traces of something special within her, which, unbeknownst to them at the time, is the Spring Fairy’s blessing. In order to prove her claims of being unable to make a bad drink, Diona prepares a mix for Xiao and Chongyun. The drink looks terrible and Xiao immediately looks to Lumine for guidance and reassurance. 

And though he is told not to force himself to drink, Xiao chooses to do so in the end. It seems the yaksha is becoming more open to trying strange foods and drinks of the mortal world. It is thanks to Lumine’s influence as well as his desire to learn more about her — she who often walks amongst humans.

A while later, due to his excellent vision Xiao notices a curious leaf floating along the river. The group walks up to the leaf only to discover there is a poem written on it. And it seems to be a poem about someone’s true love, although it sounds like the two lovers did not end up together.

Xiao finds it rather perplexing that someone would choose to write a poem on a frail leaf. He is worried the poem will be lost without ever being read by others. Lumine helps him understand the reason people write poems; it is about expressing oneself.

Xiao: ...Why write a poem on a fallen leaf?

Xiao: The flowing waters are ruthless — they carry the leaves away with the current. This poem would likely have vanished into the void had we not found it.

Xiao: ...It makes no sense to me.

Lumine: Sometimes, people write poems simply to express themselves.

Lumine: It doesn't matter if anyone else reads it.

Chongyun: When there's things that you're unable to say, or just never had the chance to say before it was too late... If it can be put on paper, it can be expressed as poetry.

(Waterborne Poetry)

The group discusses what to do and concludes that perhaps they should write a poem in response. Hearing this, Xiao offers a suggestion for what might be the best way to go about it. By moving further upstream their own messenger leaf would flow with the current and reach the mysterious poet. 

In the past Xiao would often stay quiet, only speaking when it was necessary — usually when there was danger. He had trouble interacting with ordinary people and he believed his own thoughts were not worth sharing. Now things have changed thanks to Lumine’s influence, advice and encouragement from all their previous interactions. 

Xiao: ...Why not go upstream?

Paimon: Upstream? Why?

Xiao: The ink looks fresh. It can't have been written too long ago.

Xiao: This withered leaf floated down with the current. If we travel further upstream and drop a leaf into the same waters, it should be carried down past the original writer.

(Waterborne Poetry)

Following Xiao’s suggestion, the group moves upstream and Lumine prepares a poem in response to the one written by the mysterious author. While the others are focused on releasing the message leaves, Lumine takes a moment to talk to Xiao, expressing her praise and gratitude for his suggestion. 

Lumine: ...This was a great suggestion, Xiao.

Lumine: Seems like the idea of getting involved has grown on you.

(Waterborne Poetry)

Lumine stays close to Xiao, showing how much their bond has grown. He doesn’t feel uncomfortable being so physically close to her.

Xiao responds to Lumine by repeating Chongyun’s earlier words. Having experienced the loss of his companions, Xiao understands what it means to never have a chance to speak before it’s too late. He wishes the group’s message will reach that mysterious poet. And perhaps this experience can teach Xiao not to hold back his own feelings for Lumine, otherwise he might come to regret it.

Lumine understands that Xiao, too, might have things he wishes he could have said to his old yaksha companions, especially now that he seems more attuned to his own feelings. She advises him to try writing poetry too. Xiao declines at first but he will later decide to pick up a brush.

Xiao: ..."Things you never had the chance to say before it was too late"... When silence is the final word, we mourn the loss of things unheard...

Lumine: You should try writing a poem too, Xiao.

Xiao: I have little talent for nor knowledge of poetry...

(Waterborne Poetry)

Xiao and Lumine continue this private talk further away from the rest of the group, but soon they are caught.

Paimon: Okay, let's gooo... Huh?

Paimon: What's this? You two having a private chat?

Xiao: ...No, it's nothing.

(Waterborne Poetry)

The sun sets and the group returns to the Stone Gate where the poetry gala takes place. They soon discover Xiao has not returned with them. He may be more willing to spend time with others now, but crowds of people are still something to avoid, so he returns to his spot on the nearby mountain.

The gala proceeds with a game of matching couplets, a Liyue-style art of poetry. During this game, Lumine becomes stuck, but she quickly finds her inspiration when she looks at Xiao. Lumine’s matching line is one of the rare instances in which her dialogue is voiced. She references “Sweet Dream”, a special variation of Almond Tofu she once made for Xiao. 

Callirhoe: "'Qingxin' has no heart, still it soothes the human heart."

Lumine: (...The "xin" part of Qingxin means heart, but the flower itself has no heart...)

Lumine: ...!

Lumine: I've got it!

Lumine: "'Sweet Dream' is no dream, yet it nurtures people's dreams."

(Waterborne Poetry)

Other poetry gala participants question the validity of Lumine’s matching couplet line so Zhongli takes this opportunity to foster a discussion about the line’s true meaning. This may be due to Zhongli’s desire to ensure Xiao truly understands Lumine’s feelings. That she likes him as much as he likes her. Zhongli seems rather keen on having Xiao and Lumine become companions after all. When he says the two halves match, he likely means more than just the couplet.

Huanxi: Sweet dream? Does that really match?

Zhongli: Hmm. Since the suitability of the match has been queried, I shall act according to the Director's wishes, and ask you: What is the link between "Sweet Dream" and "Qingxin"?

Lumine: "Sweet Dream" is a type of dessert.

Xiao: …

Zhongli: Haha, then I agree, the two halves of the couplet match.
(Waterborne Poetry)

Although people still misunderstand the meaning behind Lumine’s matching line, her true feelings reach Xiao. She looks at him lovingly while he smiles.

Paimon: Ohhh! You mean eating a delicious dessert before bed will make you sleep well, right? You're amazing!

Lumine: (Actually, we sleep peacefully at night because Xiao is there to protect everyone.)
(Waterborne Poetry)

Xiao is later found near Tongque’s temple where he reveals that he followed Lumine’s advice and wrote a poem to express his feelings. The poem was placed inside the temple, near the statue of Tongque. 

Xiao: I thought about what you said... and tried to write a poem.

Xiao: After putting my feelings onto paper, my heart feels much calmer...

Xiao: Can they... really hear it...?

(Waterborne Poetry)

Although Xiao’s poem is written for the yakshas, this was only possible due to Lumine’s advice and guidance on the meaning of poetry. Lumine is helping Xiao open up, understand his own feelings and learn how to express them.

♡ Lumine’s Poem

Although Lumine wrote a poem in response to the one penned by the mysterious author, her poem can also be read as an answer or message to Xiao’s earlier comments.

Amidst the dark, fireflies aglow,

Pebbles unmoved by the stream's flow,

If words yet remain, and love holds to the last,

Against the world can the small stand fast.

In honeyed moonlight may you once more bask.

(Waterborne Poetry)

The first line speaks of light shining amidst the darkness, and this theme resonates with Xiao’s Collected Miscellany. In all languages Lumine’s name carries the meaning of light and her interactions with Xiao up to this point make it clear that she is the ray of light that shines in his dark world.

Dainsleif: I know that Adepti suffer heartache just as I do, but I cannot know Xiao's future. Will Xiao be ravaged by the unending war he wages and be plunged into despair? Or will he meet someone who understands his sacrifice and can shine a ray of light into his dark world…
(Collected Miscellany)

The second line speaks of the pebbles that stand still and unmoved despite the stream’s constant flow. It’s a direct response to Xiao’s comment.

Xiao: The flowing waters are ruthless — they carry the leaves away with the current. This poem would likely have vanished into the void had we not found it. (Waterborne Poetry)

This matches with the meaning behind Lovers’ Oath whose Chinese title is a reference to an idiom expressing that one's love will last forever. The phrase itself is taken from a poem that tells the tale of the love story between Jiao Zhongqing and his wife Liu Lanzhi. The subsequent lines are an extension of the same theme in which Lumine wishes to convey to Xiao that when love is strong it can stand against the whole world.

The final line may be a reference to Wangshu Inn which is a popular spot for lovers, a haven for their moonlit rendezvous. It is the place where Xiao dwells, the place where Xiao and Lumine meet for the first time, and the place where the two of them often spend time together.

They say that Wangshu Inn is a haven for lovers' moonlit rendezvous. Folk stories also have it that even ones as august as the Adepti sometimes bask in the moonlight here. (Viewpoint)

Moreover, the “honeyed moonlight” may be a reference to Lumine who is often associated with both the imagery of golden lights as well as the imagery of the moon. The moonlight being “honeyed” may also mean a moonlight that is sweet and lovely.

It is said the Adepti sometimes bask in the moonlight at Wangshu Inn. Xiao is the only Adeptus who dwells there — he is the one who basks in Lumine’s moonlight. 

♡ Xianyun Story Quest - Grus Serena 

One day, Lumine visits Cloud Retainer only to discover that the latter has taken on a human form and goes by the mortal name “Xianyun”. While accompanying Xianyun to Liyue Harbor, they meet an elderly woman with peculiar circumstances so they decide to offer their help. Thus they embark on a journey to recover lost memories, and their search eventually leads them to the Wangshu Inn.

Sensing a non-human presence in the vicinity, Xiao descends to investigate. Xiao has a habit of appearing in high places, a safe distance away from the people he might harm, but he is slowly becoming more willing to approach others. It is all thanks to his continuous growth which is facilitated by his interactions with Lumine. He chooses to manifest right next to Lumine, however, which indicates that he feels much more comfortable with her than Cloud Retainer, despite knowing the latter for longer. 

Seeing that Lumine is here his concerns are put to rest because he trusts her and her abilities.

Xiao: I sensed a non-human presence and decided to come take a look.

Xiao: If you're here, then there's likely no trouble afoot. I suppose there's no cause for concern.

(Xianyun Story Quest)

Xiao goes on to share with Lumine stories of Cloud Retainer from the time of the Archon War. Alas, the conversation is cut short as there is work to be done and someone is in need of help. Before leaving, Xiao reminds Lumine, as he always does, to call his name if she ever encounters any trouble. Then he turns to Cloud Retainer, and indirectly asks her to take care of Lumine.

Xiao: Should you encounter any trouble, you need only call my name. However, given that you are traveling with Cloud Retainer, I trust you are in good hands.

(Xianyun Story Quest)

♡ Xianyun ● Voice-Over 

In Xianyun’s Voice-Over about Xiao, she notes that he and Lumine seem to be rather close and she is interested in what kind of conversations the two of them have, indicating that nowadays they chat often and talk about many things. 

Xianyun also asks Lumine to pass some tofu pudding to him, likely believing that Lumine is closer to Xiao than she is, as such sending him gifts through Lumine is easier. Moreover, it shows that Xianyun expects Lumine to visit Xiao again, something she probably does regularly.

Xianyun: The Conqueror of Demons is even more withdrawn than oneself — he has been sighted a mere handful of times at social gatherings over the centuries... One was interested to learn that you are on rather good terms with him — what sort of conversations do the two of you tend to have? Oh, and do let me know when you next plan to see him. Perhaps one could make some tofu pudding for you to pass on to him.

(Profile Voice-Over)

♡ Lantern Rite Gift Codes 

In a special Lantern Rite event in China, players could obtain gift codes from which they could receive letters from the playable characters. Xiao sends the following letter to Lumine:

It’s Xiao. How have you been lately? It's been a while since I heard you call for me, so I've been wondering where you've been and what you’ve been doing these days. It’s good that you are okay.

Lantern Rite... Liyue Harbor will be adorned with myriad lights and colours again. You should go and see it. I will watch from a place where I can see the lights and your silhouette.

(Lantern Rite Letter)

Xiao becomes very worried after not hearing from Lumine for a while, and he wonders what she has been doing. Then he feels relieved when he learns that she is okay. He suggests to her to visit Liyue Harbor to see the beautiful lights as he wishes for her to experience wonderful things. As for him, he will watch over her from afar they way he often does.

♡ Lantern Rite - Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze  

Another year passes and Lantern Rite arrives once more. While Lumine travels through Dihua Marsh with Gaming and his father for a delivery job to Liyue Harbor, she chances upon Zhongli who seems to be out testing kites at Hu Tao’s request. 

Soon, Xiao appears before her, and Lumine discovers that he has been around for some time, though he only chose to approach once the humans were away. Xiao wishes to protect humans from his karma, but it is also likely that he didn’t want to disturb Lumine’s affairs. She seemed to be preoccupied after all.

Here, Lumine learns that Zhongli had asked Xiao for help in examining and comparing different types of kites. Thanks to Lumine’s support and encouragement, the relationship between Xiao and Zhongli is progressing steadily, taking steps into becoming a proper friendship rather than a master-servant bond. With the tests concluded, Zhongli decides to leave the kites in Xiao’s care, subtly encouraging him and giving him reasons to spend time with Lumine. After all, bonding with her has helped Xiao in many ways and the yaksha clearly enjoys Lumine’s company.

Zhongli: I'll leave these two kites with you. Perhaps you can find a few friends with which to partake in the activity. You might find it to be an enjoyable use of your time. (Lantern Rite 4.4)

The conversation moves on to a discussion about kite-flying and Xiao shares his thoughts with Lumine. Sadly, he declines the offer of learning how to craft them himself, citing that amongst the yakshas only Minu enjoyed such things. But perhaps he will change his mind one day as he often does when Lumine is involved.

Paimon: Do you like kite-flying, Xiao?

Xiao: I suppose I neither like nor dislike it.

Xiao: Although, watching a kite gradually ascend into the sky does bring me a certain peace of mind.

Xiao: ...Perhaps they're a bit like Xiao Lanterns in that way.

Zhongli: Kite-flying is also a pleasant form of relaxation.

Paimon: Have you ever thought about making a kite, Xiao?

Paimon: Cloud Retainer taught us how. We can teach you if you want.

Xiao: There's no need.

Xiao: Minu was the only yaksha among us who had an interest in matters of ornamentation and design.
(Lantern Rite 4.4)

After this conversation, Xiao invites Lumine to a private rendezvous. Naturally, Lumine responds enthusiastically. In the past, it would take a lot of effort to convince Xiao to accept company of any kind, but now not only does he accept Lumine’s company, he even makes the first move, being the one to invite her instead. And all this happens in front of Zhongli no less. When it comes to Lumine, Xiao does not feel any kind of anxiety or awkwardness, something that he displays when interacting with others, especially Zhongli.

Xiao: Lumine, when Lantern Rite is over, come find me near Tongque's temple if you have the time.

Lumine: Absolutely.

Xiao: Mmm.
(Lantern Rite 4.4)

As promised, Lumine visits Xiao at Tongque’s temple after the main Lantern Rite celebrations are over. Once again, they spend private time together during Lantern Rite which has romantic undertones due to the history of the Lantern Festival.

When they meet, Lumine gently scolds Xiao for avoiding the city yet again. She hopes to see Xiao enjoy himself and participate in the celebrations for once. However, after Xiao explains his stance she accepts it and doesn’t insist further. Lumine doesn’t want to push him or be overbearing. She respects that Xiao needs time and needs to take things slowly.

Xiao: Lumine.

Lumine: It's just as I thought... You stopped short of stepping into the city again.

Xiao: Being in the city isn't the only way for me to appreciate the lights and beauty of Lantern Rite. Look... Liyue Harbor lies just beyond this mountain.

Xiao: As long as I stand at this vantage point, I may freely behold the sight of all the kites slowly ascending into the sky.

Xiao: ...For me, that is enough.

Lumine: Alright.
(Lantern Rite 4.4)

Xiao reveals here that he wishes to release a Xiao Lantern with Lumine. This is the very first time he has ever done such a thing, and he hopes to share this important moment with no one else but her.

Xiao: I invited you here because there is something I would like to do.

Xiao: ...I want to release a Xiao Lantern, and... I'd like you to be there for it.

(Lantern Rite 4.4)

He even crafted the Xiao Lantern all by himself, for which he apologizes, thinking that it has a poor appearance. Lumine, however, is very supportive and proud of him. That he chose to craft a lantern on his own when in the past he would not even enjoy the view from a distance, was a wonderful thing in eyes. Xiao is beginning to become a part of the world, to participate in it. In response to Lumine’s encouragement, Xiao smiles and praises her kindness.

Lumine: Did you make it yourself?

Xiao: Yes.

Xiao: I apologize for its crude appearance... I have little skill in that regard.

Lumine: No, no! It's amazing.

Xiao: ...You are very kind, as usual.

(Lantern Rite 4.4)

They release the Xiao Lantern together, both smiling, and they watch it as it slowly ascends to the sky. Xiao feels at peace and expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Lumine; not only for what just transpired, but likely for everything she has done for him throughout the years.

Xiao: ...

Lumine: (As the Xiao Lantern slowly disappears into the tranquil night sky, Xiao's expression softens.)

Xiao: Lumine.
Xiao: ...Thank you.
(Lantern Rite 4.4) 

♡ Couple’s Lantern 

In some regions of China it is customary for a couple to release a single sky lantern together as a romantic gesture. Releasing a lantern together represents the couple's unity, wishes and shared aspirations for the future. This practice can also be seen during weddings where the lantern becomes a token of the couple’s love. 

The scene of Xiao and Lumine releasing a single lantern together takes on a romantic meaning and may symbolize their hopes and wishes for a shared future. Moreover, this gesture was initiated by Xiao, possibly revealing his deep love for Lumine and a desire to spend a future with her.

♡ Xiao Birthday 2024 

When Xiao’s birthday arrives, he sends Lumine a letter that has much deeper and obvious romantic connotations than the previous years. It is likely that Xiao is still not fully aware of the way his words are coming across; he simply expresses the way he sincerely thinks of and feels about Lumine.

I've never liked dreaming. No matter what I see, I can neither control it nor easily escape. But recently... it's you that I keep seeing.

All my dreams with you are of idle strolls and outings. Each time I awake, I can't help but wonder if I deserve to have such "sweet dreams"... Perhaps were I to see you in the waking world, I would find the answer? If you are willing to meet me, just speak my name. 

(Xiao Birthday Mail 2024)

In the letter, Xiao reveals that he has never liked dreaming because he cannot control them nor escape from them. The lack of control must be terrifying to him when he has lived most of his life unable to have the reins over himself — he was once enslaved, and even after being granted freedom, now he lives with the burden of his karma which he cannot fully control. Nightmares must have been common for him as well.

Yet in recent times he has dreams of Lumine, spending time with her in idle strolls and outings. Essentially, he is dreaming of going out on dates with her. In the past, Xiao had no liking for being idle, possibly due to guilt. He thought he was not permitted any leisure. But he is starting to heal, and now he dreams and wishes for simple, idle time with Lumine. 

These dreams are so sweet and beautiful to him that he begins to feel unworthy and undeserving of them, and he seeks the answer from Lumine herself. She is the person who has always supported him, offering advice and encouragement when he feels lost or confused, and when many complicated thoughts and emotions overwhelm him.

Xiao doesn’t want or need anything special for his birthday. Simply being with Lumine, in the way she always has been, is more than enough for him. But Lumine still wants to do something for Xiao, however little it might be, so she finds him a nice and comfortable spot atop Wangshu Inn’s roof, a place that he might enjoy. Xiao responds with admiration and offers her a bouquet of Qingxin for her Teapot in hopes that they could make her home more comfortable. Just as Lumine cares about Xiao’s wellbeing, so does he care greatly about hers. 

We've known each other for a long time, so just act normal. No need for anything special. This place is unusually tranquil, and you can survey all of Dihua Marsh at a glance... Only you could have found such a place. This Qingxin is for you. Decorating your home with it would surely add a touch of freshness. (Xiao Birthday Post 2024) 

♡ Imaginarium Theater 

One day, Lumine invites Xiao to join her in the Imaginarium Theater where she puts on fantastical plays that feel like real battles. As usual, Xiao is ready to fight all battles on his own, but nowadays he has come to accept and understand that Lumine cares and worries about him. Still, he is very concerned about her safety and would never want to put her in danger, so he urges her to promise that she will be careful and never let her guard down.

Xiao: The air grows thick with the stench of evil...

Xiao: I could handle the upcoming battles on my own, but I know you wouldn't agree to it.

Xiao: So promise me at least that you will not let your guard down.

(Imaginarium Theater)

While resting between the Acts, Xiao admits to her that leisure time is not something he is accustomed to. War and battle, danger and the constant state of alertness are the life he is familiar with. Quiet peace and leisure seems strange and foreign to him, maybe even frightening. But if Lumine needs rest, he will remain by her side until she is ready, even if he himself becomes restless and uncomfortable.

Xiao: Fighting monsters is nothing new to me.

Xiao: If anything... It is these brief periods of leisure between battles that I'm not accustomed to.

Xiao: No matter. If you need to rest, I will stay here with you until you are ready.
(Imaginarium Theater)

Yet, even if Xiao is unaccustomed to the time of leisure, Lumine’s presence brings him ease and comfort. He finds himself letting his guard down around her, reminiscing about the yakshas and sharing his feelings with her. 

Xiao: The legacy of the yakshas lives on in the historical records that tell our tales... Still, that brings no solace to me or my late comrades.

Xiao: ...

Xiao: But watching the Xiao Lanterns rise into the sky during the Lantern Rite... that is what brings me peace.

(Imaginarium Theater)