My reflections on Zhongli and Xiao's relationship after version 2.7
I want to share with you some thoughts I got when rewatching that very cutscene in version 2.7 because it is absolutely out of this world, and every time rewatching, I get feelings like the first time. The thoughts may be obvious, but some things may sparkle with new colours when said out loud or written. So, look what I got.
Remember Zhongli’s words to Xiao? Let me quote, “This trip may be dangerous, yet you insist on going.” First. “…yet you insist on going.” This may be not once that Xiao came to Zhongli with this wish. He might have come to him a few times to get Zhongli’s approval. Second. Even though Zhongli isn’t an archon anymore, Xiao still feels that he can’t leave Liyue without permission of his god. Third, coming from the first two. Xiao wants to know more about the nameless Yaksha, and yet he can't just leave the place he must protect. And he comes to Zhongli again and again, asking for his approval, not daring to go by himself without his blessing. Fourth. “This trip may be dangerous.” Zhongli says this to the last surviving Yaksha; the man who has been fighting for several thousand years; who has slaughtered gods, demons, and monsters; who has fought against him and by his side; who survives his karma; who simply doesn't know the word “fear.” He saved him, he raised him, and without a second of a doubt, no one knows Xiao better than Zhongli. And yet, he warns him. He knows the danger out there is different from what Xiao is used to deal with. And he is worried about him (not Liyue being left unguarded), and he tells him that something out there may be perilous, even for the fearsome Yaksha. Fifth, coming from the fourth. That is why Xiao had come several times – because Zhongli didn't say to him 'yes.' And he didn't say to him 'no' at once, either. He knows why Xiao is persistent, he appreciates his will to know what happened to a member of his family. And he takes some time to ponder what is more important to him: his own fears or Xiao's wish. Sixth, coming from the second and fourth. Xiao also knows that place is dangerous, he knows he may not come back. And this is one of the reasons he asks for Zhongli's approval. “I only wish to seek the nameless Yaksha, but the place I want to go to may kill me, and your city would be left without my guard. Would you allow me to take such risks?” Seventh. Zhongli finally gives him his blessing. He understands that Xiao is definitely not a helpless person and he deserves to know the truth. So he steps aside, deciding to just watch and let it be as it should be, but keeping an eye on his little Yaksha, ready to stop a disaster if needed.
I must say, I absolutely love how Hoyoverse reveals characters' relationships indirectly, through details. And I just adore Zhongli/Xiao interactions. As for the save, personally, I have some questions. The boy has suffered so much for so long, and he could finally get his well-deserved rest, and him closing his eyes when falling – was he preparing to leave? But his deity saved him. I mean, I think it's a bit cruel to Xiao to force him to live after all he's been through; but then again, no one knows him better than Zhongli, so I think it's okay for them :)