History ShipTease / GenshinImpact

*** The Traveler accompanies Keqing to bring gifts to the adepti in Mount Aocang. While she socializes with Ganyu, Shenhe and Cloud Retainer, the Traveler proposes a change of topic and immediately asks if Xiao is around.
*** Xiao prepares to leave after Keqing hands him gifts courtesy of the Qixing, but not before reminding the Traveler to stay safe as usual.
*** Xiao defaults to watching the fireworks from Pervases' temple, still unable to bring himself to visit the harbor. He correctly deduces the Traveler's attempt to bring him to the city again this year and though he declines, he is no longer irked by their invitation. Xiao reassures them that he'll be fine and that anyone who wishes to see him will come and find him anyway, which is probably why he's not surprised they found him in the first place.

*** He removes a leaf stuck in the Traveler's clothes in the caption of his [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1515540557241761792 2022 birthday artwork]], showing how subtly doting he can be, and is a bit confused when the Traveler asks if they could keep it.
*** In his [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1515540554431442946 2022 chibi birthday artwork]], the Traveler and Paimon encounter a sleeping Xiao. Paimon calls out to him so they can eat almond tofu together but the Traveler quickly hushes her, wanting Xiao to rest a little longer. It certainly shows their mutual concern for each other.

*** The Traveler accompanies Keqing to bring gifts to the adepti in Mount Aocang. While she socializes with Ganyu, Shenhe and Cloud Retainer, the Traveler proposes a change of topic and immediately asks if Xiao is around.
*** Xiao prepares to leave after Keqing hands him gifts courtesy of the Qixing, but not before reminding the Traveler to stay safe as usual.
*** Xiao defaults to watching the fireworks from Pervases' temple, still unable to bring himself to visit the harbor. He correctly deduces the Traveler's attempt to bring him to the city again this year and though he declines, he is no longer irked by their invitation. Xiao reassures them that he'll be fine and that anyone who wishes to see him will come and find him anyway, which is probably why he's not surprised they found him in the first place.

*** The Traveler pretends to drown in an attempt to summon the Adeptus that Dvorak mentioned, and Xiao shows up unprompted to rescue them out of the water along with Shenhe. While the group nervously attempts to explain the circumstances of their drowning attempt, he doesn't scold them and makes a distressed face instead. After confirming that they were alright, he warns them not to do it again, saying they "caused others a great deal of worry."

*** When Xiao appears to leave when Xiangling worries for him, the Traveler tells them not to 'lemniscatic wind cycle' out of the situation (to which Xiao responds that he wouldn't), showing how they can now casually talk to each unlike before.
*** Xiao specifically says in the Chinese voice-over that he "occasionally thinks of the times they hang out" and he feels emotions that are "strange and novel but not unwelcome."

* Xiao is initially distant to the Traveler, but consecutive game versions show the romantic, slowburn development of their relationship.

** Xiao is shown to be protective of the Traveler. He often reminds them to be wary of danger, his first oath to them is to call for him if they are in danger, and will still come to their rescue [[HeWasRightThereAllAlong even if they didn't]]. He even gifts them [[MeaningfulGift a handmade butterfly made of leaves]] for the Traveler's birthday, stating that it's an adepti amulet that will keep them from harm. During Xianyun's story quest he reminds them once more to call him if they are in trouble, but also trusts in his fellow adeptus to keep them safe from harm.

*** In the caption of his [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1383268983885877259 2021 birthday art]], he thanks the Traveler for bringing him to a beautiful place and believes their trip will create more memories.

*** He removes a leaf stuck in the Traveler's clothes in the caption of his [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1515540557241761792 2022 birthday art]], showing how subtly doting he can be, and is a bit confused when the Traveler asks if they could keep it.

*** The [[https://twitter.com/GenshinUpdate/status/1647631321597100033/photo/1 birthday art from the CN exclusive web event in 2023]] has Xiao letting his guard down to rest peacefully beside the Traveler and Paimon as they look out for him under the sun, with the Traveler even holding an umbrella up for him. Pretty telling for a yaksha who claims to [[TheInsomniac not need sleep]].
*** The caption that accompanies his [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1647812136876351493 2023 official chibi birthday art]] has him stating that he now looks forward to his birthdays after spending lots of time with the Traveler. He promises to take care of their gift, and even ''smiles'' as he looks directly at where they presumably would be off-screen.

*** The caption of the celebratory [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1780446765340356793 illustration]] shows that they do meet up. Xiao acknowledges himself that they've known each other for so long they don't have to act formally around him. He gifts the Traveler a small bouquet of qingxin flowers and gazes at them with a tender smile on his face, the happiest he's ever looked since the start of the game.

*** Shenhe's voice lines seem to allude to this notion as well. Her initial impression of Xiao is that he's unsmiling but that he [[PositiveFriendInfluence seemed more relaxed]] after seeing him more recently, concluding that he must have met someone special.

--->"The wrath of evil spirits, omens of calamity... and your voice. That's all I need to hear."

--->"Having you around would make even (bitter) Qingxin feel like a treat."
*** The [[https://twitter.com/GenshinUpdate/status/1647631321597100033/photo/1 birthday art from the CN exclusive web event]] has Xiao letting his guard down to rest peacefully beside the Traveler and Paimon as they look out for him under the sun, with the Traveler even holding an umbrella up for him. Pretty telling for a yaksha who claims to [[TheInsomniac not need sleep]].
*** The caption that accompanies his [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1647812136876351493 official chibi birthday art]] has him stating that he now looks forward to his birthdays after spending lots of time with the Traveler. He promises to take care of their gift, and even ''smiles'' as he looks directly at where they presumably would be off-screen.

*** The caption of the celebratory [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1780446765340356793 illustration]] shows that they did meet up. Xiao acknowledges himself that they've known each other for so long they don't have to act formally around him. He gifts the Traveler a small bouquet of Qingxin flowers and gazes at them with a tender smile on his face, the happiest he's ever looked since the start of the game.

** The other adepti in-game seem to acknowledge the depth of their relationship. Zhongli trusts in the Traveler to hand Xiao his remedium tertiorum medicine in his stead, while Xianyun is curious about the conversations they have, remarking that they are on good terms despite Xiao's closed-off personality.
*** Shenhe's voicelines seem to allude to this notion as well. Her initial impression of Xiao is that he's unsmiling but that he [[PositiveFriendInfluence seemed more relaxed]] after seeing him more recently, concluding that he must have met someone special.

*** The Traveler accompanies Keqing to bring gifts to the adepti in Mount Aocang. While she socializes with Ganyu, Shenhe and Cloud Retainer, the Traveler proposes a change of topic and immediately asks if Xiao is around.
*** Xiao prepares to leave after Keqing hands him gifts courtesy of the Qixing, but not before reminding the Traveler to stay safe as usual.
*** Xiao defaults to watching the fireworks from Pervases' temple, still unable to bring himself to visit the harbor. He correctly deduces the Traveler's attempt to bring him to the city again this year and though he declines, he is no longer irked by their invitation. Xiao reassures them that he'll be fine and that anyone who wishes to see him will come and find him anyway, which is probably why he's not surprised they found him in the first place.

*** Afterwards, Xiao specifically says in the Chinese voice-over that he "occasionally thinks of the times they hang out" and he feels emotions that are "strange and novel but not unwelcome."

* Xiao is initially distant to the Traveler, but consecutive game versions show the cute, slowburn development of their relationship.

** Xiao is shown to be protective of the Traveler. His first oath to them is to call for him if they are in danger, and will still come to their rescue [[HeWasRightThereAllAlong even if they didn't]]. He even gifts them [[MeaningfulGift a handmade butterfly made of leaves]] for the Traveler's birthday, stating that it's an adepti amulet that will keep them from harm. During Xianyun's story quest he reminds them once more to call him if they are in trouble, but also trusts in his fellow adeptus to keep them safe from harm.

*** His fourth birthday letter has him flat out state that he previously didn't like dreaming because of his nightmares, but he's been recurringly having "sweet dreams" of going on dates with the [[GirlOfMyDreams Traveler]] as of late, and hence he wrote the letter as an invitation to meet them in reality.
*** The caption of the celebratory [[https://twitter.com/GenshinImpact/status/1780446765340356793 illustration]] shows that they did meet up. Xiao gifted the Traveler a small bouquet of Qingxin flowers and gazed at them with a tender smile on his face, the happiest he's ever looked since the start of the game.

** The song that briefly plays when Xiao and the Traveler first meet, right before he shows up, is titled "Lover's Oath".[[note]]For the ''Tuned to the World's Sounds'' event, a zither variant of this song titled "Lone Tower in the West" plays.[[/note]] Curiously, this song was never played again during any other instance ingame.
*** The song's name in Chinese, 蒲苇如丝 (Púwěirúsī)[[note]]literally translated as Silk-like Pampas Grass[[/note]], references a line[[note]]君当作磐石，妾当作蒲苇。蒲苇纫如丝，磐石无转移。("You must be like the solid boulder, I like a rush or a reed. Rushes and reeds can be strong as well as pliant, just so the boulder does not move.")[[/note]] from a [[https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/southeast-peacock-flies poem]] about a married couple who promised everlasting devotion to each other and swore to be reunited when the wife was kicked out of the husband's household, which is most likely the "Lover's Oath" that the English translation is referencing.
** After [[spoiler:Osial destroys the Guizhong Ballista]] during the Liyue Archon Quest, Xiao personally went out to save the Traveler from falling to their death, despite only knowing them briefly, and holding them up and holding their hand for a while afterward.

*** On his third birthday letter, Xiao recounts his attempt at heeding the Traveler's advice to socialize more, understanding that who the people by his side are is most important to him. It ends with him inviting them to the adepti's impromptu gathering, saying:

*** When they meet, he admits to the Traveler that he wishes to release his first Xiao Lantern and for them to be his witness. He apologizes for its crude appearance, and remarks on how kind the Traveler is as usual when they beam and tell him it looks amazing. They then quietly release it together to the sky, and the Traveler notes that his expression softened at the sight. It's a really short yet sweet moment that shows just how comfortable and safe Xiao feels around them, and how far their relationship has come. Furthermore, unlike the other overworld interactions with playable characters, the lantern releasing scene is treated as if it's part of a quest instead of optional dialogue with changing camera angles, and Paimon is mysteriously absent.

** In their voice lines about each other, Xianyun tells that she asked [[spoiler:Zhongli]] about what to do when moving in to the city, getting a lot of advice about decorating her new house. [[spoiler:Zhongli]], on the other hand, has nothing but compliments about her finesse.

* Ayaka's Story Quest, playable voiceovers, and other interactions make it very clear she's developed feelings for the Traveler, as well as showing a few opportunities to suggest it's not unrequited. She performs a private dance for the Traveler and is very attached to them as her first friend. Then came the "Warrior's Spirit" event in version 3.4, whose final act unlocked on Valentine's Day 2023 and had the vibe of a date with Ayaka, complete with her new outfit (Springbloom Missive). It concluded with her flat-out telling the Traveler that if she steals their sword, their life will be in her hands, followed by her telling the Traveler to keep what she said a secret and winking at them.

** Lyney's birthday art has him gifting rainbow roses to the Traveler. In Lumine's version, she's even blushing.

** Their ensuing conversation may come of as teasing LikeAnOldMarriedCouple banter:

* Enjou, the Abyss Ruler's assistant, has a decent amount of ShipTease with the Traveler. He's an AffablyEvil goof, helping out the Traveler in both the Enkanomiyan World Quest and in the Three Realms Gateway event. While he was ordered to help out in the World Quest, the second time he just helps because he's fond of the Traveler. He expresses a disinterest in the Traveler's sibling, saying he prefers the Traveler to his boss, and [[CombatSadomasochist is eager to fight the Traveler]] despite knowing he has no chance at all at victory against them. He also expresses concern for the Traveler's wellbeing, warning them about being so trusting of others who might exploit their goodwill. For 2024's White Day, Enjou got [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/f108ee115f842d596bed8eeb0e42b4af/fa5db5e6f6504bce-96/s1280x1920/f2188bece76ad72362cdaed047194bc34615e6f4.jpg shippy promotional art]] where he offers the Traveler a flower between his teeth and a wink, happy that the Traveler hasn't forgotten him.

* Ayaka's Story Quest, playable voiceovers, and other interactions make it very clear she's developed feelings for the Traveler, as well as showing a few opportunities to suggest it's not unrequited. She performs a private dance for the Traveler and is very attached to them as her first friend. Then comes the "Warrior's Spirit" event in version 3.4, whose second half has the vibe of a date with Ayaka. It concludes with her flat-out telling the Traveler that if she steals their sword, their life will be in her hands, followed by her telling the Traveler to keep what she said a secret and winking at them.

'''Sigewinne:''' Don't be like that, Your Grace.\\\

** Somehow, while Itto and Kuki are in Liyue for her Graduation certificate, Itto gets in trouble with the law enforcement (as usual) and Yanfei casually saves them from going to jail. Itto is so grateful to her that he follows Yanfei ''all the way to The Chasm'' just to see how to thank her, despite Yanfei telling him that he doesn't have to do anything.

* Wriothesley and Sigewinne are each other's closest partners and unofficial co-rulers of the Fortress of Meropide, and it shows.

** During the "Almighty Arataki Great & Glorious Drumalong" event, Itto invited Sara as well (because he wants to defeat her and she is a friend of Shinobu). Sara reluctantly goes to leave safety warnings and advisories on the festival's bulletin board, which Itto sees it as bullying on her part. However, a message left by one of her subordinates reveals that she did seem to express interest in the event, prompting some of her subordinates to check it out and even join in. Furthermore, when Itto gets arrested for attempting to invite the [[GodEmperor Raiden Shogun]] to the festival and nearly gets charged with a felony, Sara, who is defined by her UndyingLoyalty to her Archon and does not suffer insults towards her lightly, actually steps in to downgraded it to a misdemeanour.

** During the "Almighty Arataki Great & Glorious Drumalong" event, Itto invited Sara as well (because he wants to defeat her and she is a friend of Shinobu). Sara reluctantly goes to leave safety warnings and advisories on the festival's bulletin board. Itto sees it as bullying on her part.

*** Xiao drops [[CompletelyOffTopicReport an invitation to meet at Pervases' temple when the festivities are over]] in the middle of an unrelated conversation, managing to get the words out despite his earnest dedication to assist Zhongli with his kite-testing. It is also an instance where [[SwappedRoles he does the inviting first,]] instead of the other way around where the Traveler usually ropes him into joining them on their shenanigans.
*** When they meet, he admits to the Traveler that he wishes to release his first Xiao Lantern and for them to be his witness. He apologizes for its crude appearance, and remarks on how kind the Traveler is as usual when they tell him it looks amazing. They then quietly release it together to the sky, and the Traveler notes that his expression softened at the sight. It's a really short yet sweet moment that shows just how comfortable and safe Xiao feels around them, and how far their relationship has come.
--->"Traveler... Thank you."
*** Xiao is one of the characters that players can interact with in the related China-exclusive event 原神海灯节电话, where they give out Chinese New Year greetings in the form of voice mails. In his message, Xiao wonders why the Traveler has not called them in a while, curious about how they've been and where they have gone to recently, but is relieved to know they are alright. He then reminds them that Lantern Rite is approaching once more and that they should go and participate, adding that he will watch the lights and their silhouette from afar.

* Morax and Guizhong's first encounter in a field filled with Guizhong's favorite Glaze Lilies sounds like a MeetCute in a GardenOfLove. They went on to co-rule a nation named after a {{Portmanteau}} of their names, and even as Morax acknowledged that they were simply cooperating because their interests aligned, he trusted Guizhong enough to never feel the need to establish any of the contracts he is known for with her. Thousands of years after Guizhong's passing, [[spoiler:Zhongli]] still keeps the [[TragicKeepsake Memory of Dust]] Guizhong made as a symbol of their "pledge" by his side, and occasionally visits the stone table where he used to drink with her and Cloud Retainer to quietly reminisce alone.
* Similarly to Guizhong, 4.4 started to drop some hints of Zhongli and Xianyun once they meet each other in their human disguises, with many fans seeing their reunion as old friends reconnecting.

** She keeps a table with three seats she saves for herself, Rex Lapis and Guizhong. In Shenhe’s lines about Zhongli, she tells that Cloud Retainer, who is usually very territorial unless she gets food Offerings, gave her specific instructions about not bothering him whenever he strolled around Mt. Aozang and sat on her table, implying that she already figured out his identity after his fake death and respected his choice.
** It’s later revealed that she and Guizhong were frequent rivals and Rex Lapis was the one in charge of acting as a judge between them, often giving the victory to Guizhong. One could interpret her reactions to the defeats as part of her CompetitionFreak personality, as well as a bit of jealousy of not getting his complete approval.
** The previous point comes to circle when Xianyun decides to move to the city and raise some funds by selling her old gadgets. To her surprise, Zhongli is called as a consultant. Both of them are taken aback after seeing each other, exchange some awkward yet polite greetings, and Zhongli is quick to assure that all of her items are of the highest quality, which leaves Xianyun very touched, which has both humility for the compliments, and the emotion of getting Rex Lapis’ complete acknowledgment and approval. When the client starts to question their personal bonds and wonders if they might scam him, both get offense, Zhongli sounding more concerned about his honor, while Xianyun denies their relationship a little embarrassed and upset.
** In their voice lines about each other, Xianyun tells that she asked Zhongli about what to do when moving in to the city, getting a lot of advice about decorating her new house. Zhongli, on the other hand, has nothing but compliments about her finesse.

** Xiao is shown to be protective of the Traveler. His first oath to them is to call for him if they are in danger, and will still come to their rescue [[HeWasRightThereAllAlong even if they didn't]]. He even gifts them [[MeaningfulGift a handmade butterfly made of leaves]] for the Traveler's birthday, stating that it's an adepti amulet that will keep them from harm.

** In the 2024 Lantern Rite event “Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze”, Xiao invites the Traveler for an extremely private and intimate meeting at Pervases' Temple, where he asserts that does he want to take part in the festivities even he's not celebrating it with everyone else, and reveals his handmade Xiao lantern that he wanted to release with the Traveler, a far cry from the initial dismissive attitude he took towards those lanterns in his voice line about Lantern Rite. The Traveller positively beams at his effort and reassures him that his lantern looks amazing. Xiao answers gently, "You are...very kind, as usual," and they set it off and watch it rise towards the night sky together. Seeing it disappear evidently eases some of the burden Xiao carries in his heart, and he quietly thanks the Traveler for being there for him.

** In the 2024 Lantern Rite event “Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze”, Neuvillette offers to carry her shopping bag (alongside Chlorinde and Navia's stuff) back home. She later asks the Traveler to pass the advice that he [[CallBack he should take more vacations.]] As a sign of his CharacterDevelopment, this time he admits to the Traveler that he finally understands her point of exploring the human world.

* In the 2024 Lantern Rite event “Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze”, Neuvillette offers to carry her shopping bag (alongside Chlorinde and Navia's stuff) back home. She later asks the Traveler to pass the advice that he [[CallBack he should take more vacations.]] As a sign of his CharacterDevelopment, this time he admits to the Traveler that he finally understands her point of exploring the human world.

** In the Epilogue of “Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze”, [[BrickJoke Clorinde fulfills her part of the bet with Wriothesley and buys him some teas from Liyue]]. She mentions that she never buys things for herself, meaning that she only bought a gift thinking of him, considering that Wriothesley would be happy with anything from her even if it was just wild mint leaves.